Introduction
The aim of the ACORN study is to understand the experiences of informal carers of people who have end-stage kidney disease and are receiving conservative management.
People with end-stage kidney disease who do not go on to receive dialysis or a kidney transplant, an approach to care known as conservative management, can experience difficult physical, social and psychological consequences of the disease. Many of these people receive informal care and support from family and friends. Informal carers can also experience consequences of the disease, but there is little support available for them within the current healthcare system.
The ACORN team is working in partnership with carers, people with end-stage kidney disease, and healthcare professionals to better understand the experiences of informal carers and develop an intervention to support their psychological and social wellbeing.