Kidney Biopsy Utility: Patient and Clinician Perspectives from the Kidney Precision Medicine Project

Rationale & ObjectiveLimited data exist on patient perspectives of the implications kidney biopsies. We explored patients' alongside those clinicians to better understand how biopsies affect viewpoints and clinical utility biopsies.Study DesignProspective Cohort Study.Setting ParticipantsPatient participants in Kidney Precision Medicine Project, a prospective cohort study patients who undergo research protocol biopsy, at 9 recruitment sites across United States. Surveys were completed enrollment before biopsy additional timepoints after (participants: 28 days, 6 months; clinicians: 2 weeks).Analytical ApproachKappa statistics assessed prebiopsy etiology concordance between participants. Participant analyzed using thematic approach. Clinician ratings management value compared with Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests paired t tests.ResultsA total 167 undergoing (124 chronic disease [CKD], 43 acute injury [AKI]) 58 included this study. CKD had low for leading causes CKD: diabetes (k = 0.358) hypertension 0.081). At days postbiopsy, 46 (84%) reported that affected their understanding diagnosis, 21 (38%) results medications. Participants also shared impressions free-text responses, including impacts lifestyle concurrent condition management. The positively shifted clinician perceptions procedure’s benefits, while prognostic decreased diagnostic remained unchanged.LimitationsOur did not have demographic could provide insight into postbiopsy experiences respond follow-up surveys.ConclusionsParticipant personal can be integrated decision-making patients. Enhanced reports interactions nephrologists pathologists augment biopsies.Plain-Language SummaryThe is debated among clinicians, patients’ are even less explored. To address these gaps, we synthesized from Project (KPMP). Both surveyed procedure management, prognosis. After medication, changes. Clinicians an appreciation biopsy’s impact medical but diverged takeaways diagnosis These findings highlight need greater collaboration particularly as they navigate when considering biopsy. Limited Prospective Study. Patient weeks). Kappa tests. A unchanged. Our surveys.