Doing better on dialysis: Open pilot outcomes of a technology-assisted, entertaining, CBT-based depression treatment for people with end stage kidney disease at a dialysis clinic

This pilot study examines change in dialysis patients’ depressive and anxiety symptoms after participation in a technology-assisted, entertaining, 8-session CBT program called Doing Better on Dialysis (DBD). A one-group pre-/post- test design assessed symptom change over time (baseline, post-treatment, three-month follow-up). Nonparametric tests, including Wilcoxon signed rank tests and Friedman’s related samples tests, were used to assess outcomes. Participants experienced a statistically and clinically significant decrease in depressive symptoms between baseline (Median = 12.00, n = 8) and post-treatment (Median = 5.00, n = 7) assessments, as measured by the PHQ-9 (z = −2.12, p = .034). Similar, though non-significant, patterns were observed for anxiety, via the GAD-7. Friedman’s tests revealed a significant overall pattern of difference on the PHQ-9 across all three timepoints in the expected direction. This pilot study provides preliminary support for DBD as a depression treatment for end stage kidney disease patients.