Abstract​
The rising tide of Chronic Kidney Disease is a public health concern worldwide. There is an increasing number of patients in need of renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation) largely driven by increasing rates of diabetic nephropathy. Patients with Chronic Kidney disease have poor clinical outcomes and increased psychological burden. This presentation will highlight and contrast the challenges faced by health service users (various patient segments, caregivers) and health care systems.

Research data on cognition, psychological distress and health behavior are derived from several observational studies in UK and Singapore and two intervention programs in Singapore to show how to interpret patients' experience so as to map needs, develop support and improve on models of care.

Data from the HEmoDialysis Self Management Randomized Trial; HED SMART) will be presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of a self management intervention on clinical outcomes and the new program of support (Combined Dialysis and Renal Control Trial; C-DIRECT) currently underway will be outlined. The HED SMART and C-DIRECT programs are two Asian-Culture orientated programs tailored to needs of dialysis patients in Singapore. Challenges and opportunities will be discussed.

Biography Dr Konstadina Griva (MSc PhD CPsychol) has completed her psychology training and doctorate at UCL, UK where she has worked as researcher from 1996 to 2007. In 2008 she moved to National University of Singapore where she is an Associate Professor of Health Psychology. She is a Health Psychologist and a health services researcher whose research is on chronic disease management and measurement with special focus on kidney disease, dialysis and transplantation. The emphasis of her work is to answer questions that are relevant to patients and clinicians so as to facilitate patient engagement and improvements in care. She is leading several projects involving patients with long term conditions and has extensive collaborations and partnerships with health service delivery and community organizations (e.g. National Kidney Foundation Singapore).