Examining the AcCeptability and Feasibility of the COmpasionate Mindful ReSilience (CMR) prograMme in Adult PatIents with Chronic Kidney Disease: the COSMIC study

The COSMIC study is a collaborative research study between Queen’s University, Kidney Care UK and MindfulnessUK, which aims to support a new service development project by implementing the four-session Compassionate Mindful Resilience (CMR) programme, developed by MindfulnessUK, and explore its effectiveness for patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease or who have received a kidney transplant. The study will utilise a quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test design to measure the effect of the CMR programme on anxiety, depression, self-compassion, the ability to be mindful, well-being, and resilience, alongside a qualitative exploration to explore factors influencing the feasibility, acceptability, and suitability of the intervention, with patients (and the Mindfulness Teacher) and their commitment to practice. Outcomes from this study will include an evidence-based mindfulness and compassion programme for use with people with kidney disease, which is likely to have applicability across other chronic diseases. Patient and public involvement has been integral to the development of the study, with the establishment of an Expert Advisory Group including people living with kidney disease, who have been actively involved in all stages of study planning and design and have provided consultation on the adaptions required for the programme to meet the unique health needs of the target population.

To read more about the COSMIC Study view the study protocol: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/10/8/1387 

Renal Arts Group

The Renal Arts Group (RAG) was formed as a collaboration between patients with kidney disease, carers, clinicians, academics and artists with the ultimate aim of improving the physical and psychological quality of life of those living with kidney disease through the medium of art. The group is based at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, QUB, and members attend on a voluntary basis. Since 2016 the group has been developing a multidisciplinary programme of research, exploring how arts-based interventions within renal units can benefit patients’ mental health and wellbeing, as well as programming events and projects for members of the renal community to engage with the arts. The group has also planned several successful events for renal patients including a showcase of patients’ work at The Sunflower bar as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science in 2019, a programme of online arts activities for renal patients during the Covid-19 pandemic, a series of online and on-site visits to museums and galleries for renal patients and their families and secured funding to develop a patient’s script under the mentorship of a professional playwright. The group has recently secured funding to support an international mapping exercise of arts interventions in renal units, which will be supported by a consortium of RAG members working with project partners including the World Health Organisation, Centre for Arts and Health, University of Florida, Chong Hua Hospital, Philippines and Waterford Healing Arts Trust.