What was the research about?
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may suffer distress and poor mental health from living with a chronic illness, travelling away from family and country to receive treatment, poor access to housing and accommodation and big changes to their lifestyle.
- The WICKD study is a randomised controlled trial to address the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with CKD.
- It builds on an existing program of mental health research – the Aboriginal and Islander Mental Health Initiative (AIMhi) – which has developed innovative culturally adapted mental health treatment strategies.
- WICKD will test the effectiveness of a culturally adapted e-mental health intervention in improving mental health and wellbeing, quality of life and attendance at treatment for people with CKD. The study will also measure the cost effectiveness of this approach in CKD services.
- We hope to work together with service providers to transfer research into practice and improve the mental health and wellbeing of clients.
Chief investigators:
- Dr Kylie Dingwall – mental health researcher
- Associate Professor Tricia Nagel - researcher and psychiatrist
- Professor David Kavanagh - researcher and psychologist
- Professor Alan Cass - researcher and nephrologist
- Dr Jacqui Hughes - researcher and nephrologist
- Professor Kirsten Howard - researcher/health economist
- Dr Michelle Sweet - researcher and previous Purple House wellbeing coordinator
Associate investigators:
- Ms Sarah Brown - CEO, Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku (Purple House)
- Dr Cherian Sajiv – Director of Central Australian Renal Services
- Dr William Majoni – Clinical lead, Department of Nephrology (Top End)
- Dr Christine Connors – General Manager Primary Health Care Top End Health Services
- Ms Cilla Preece – Researcher and renal consumer
Key contacts:
- Michelle Sweet (Alice Springs)
- Josie Povey (Top End)
Project dates:
The project commenced in July 2016 and was completed in June 2020.