Research summary
Chronic kidney disease affects one in nine people worldwide, often hindering their ability to perform daily activities and routines, especially in its advanced stages. Dr. Janine Farragher, Canada Research Chair in Life Participation and Kidney Disease, is improving our understanding of how to help people with chronic kidney disease participate more in their own lives by applying best-practice approaches from the field of rehabilitation.
She and her research team are exploring how complications of kidney disease affect people’s daily activities and whether teaching them strategies to conserve energy could help them manage fatigue. Farragher’s team is also investigating how caregivers of people on dialysis can be better supported, with specific attention to how their needs might change over time. By partnering with patients, health-care providers, and the worldwide kidney research community, Farragher aims to ensure her research translates into improved outcomes for people with kidney disease.