TEACH-PD Cluster Randomised Trial

Targeted Education ApproaCH to Improve Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial (CRCT)

Principal Investigators:  Josephine Chow, Neil Boudville
Clinical Project Manager: Andrea Valks
Clinical Research Associate: Ramya Movva
Trial Number: AKTN 17.03
Population: Patients commencing Peritoneal Dialysis for the first time who require training
Intervention: PD training using TEACH-PD training modules
Follow-up: 2 years
Primary outcome: Time to the first occurrence of any PD-related infection (exit site infection, tunnel infection or peritonitis)
Status:  Recruitment Open
Target Recruitment: 1500 participants across 44 centres in Australia and New Zealand


Trial Summary
In Australia and New Zealand PD-related infections are the major causes of PD technique failure. The burden of PD-related infections, such as recurrent or severe exit site infections and peritonitis, is both high and unacceptably variable between different centres, with the variation appearing to be driven by centre-related factors rather than patient-related factors. Some of the centre-specific disparity in outcomes, including peritonitis rates, has been attributed to variable attention paid by centres to potentially modifiable peritonitis risk factors, including training practices. The TEACH-PD training modules have been developed by a core group of kidney nurses from the HOME Network (THN) in conjunction with senior medical clinicians from the Australasian Kidney Trials Network (AKTN), eLearning curriculum developers, consumer representatives, and education experts, in line with the ISPD guidelines, utilising modern adult learning principles and best practice eLearning techniques. The modules will be implemented at PD units in Australia and New Zealand to formally evaluate whether, compared with standard care, a standardised training curriculum will reduce the rate of PD- related infections and improve technique survival, resulting in better outcomes for patients receiving PD and significant cost-savings to the community.
The study has  received funding from the BEAT-CKD Program, ISPD, Baxter, QLD Health, Metro South Health Research Support Scheme Research Fund, Medical Council Medical Research Future Fund Rare Cancers, Rare Diseases and Unmet Need Initiative