Improving Lab Result Communication for Seniors With Kidney Disease

This clinical trial focuses on improving how lab results are communicated to older adults (aged 65+) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or elevated hemoglobin A1c levels. Many seniors struggle to understand their test results, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety or confusion about their health. Researchers at UCLA are testing a new Lab Result Communication Tool designed specifically for older patients, with input from both patients and their healthcare providers.

The study aims to make lab reports more patient-friendly by using simpler language, personalized risk information, and visual aids that are easier for seniors to understand. Participants will include both older adults who use the UCLA patient portal and their doctors. The tool will be integrated into the electronic health record (EHR) system that doctors already use, making it practical for real-world medical settings.

Key features of this research include:

• Focusing on seniors with kidney disease or diabetes (high A1c)
• Creating clearer, less anxiety-provoking lab reports
• Testing different formats to see what works best
• Getting feedback directly from older patients
• Making sure the tool works for both patients and doctors

Participants will try out the new tool and share their experiences through surveys and interviews. Researchers will measure whether the new format reduces anxiety about test results compared to standard lab reports. This is particularly important for older adults with chronic conditions who need to regularly monitor their health status through lab tests.

Chronic kidney disease affects about 38 million Americans, and many don't realize they have it until later stages. Clear communication about kidney function tests could help patients better understand their condition and treatment options. Similarly, hemoglobin A1c tests are crucial for diabetes management but can be confusing for patients. This research could lead to better health outcomes by improving patient understanding and reducing stress around lab results.

The study is especially relevant because older adults often take multiple medications and may have several chronic conditions. When patients understand their lab results better, they can have more productive conversations with their doctors and make more informed decisions about their care. The research team hopes their tool will serve as a model for how healthcare systems can communicate complex medical information in ways that respect patients' needs and cognitive abilities.

This study represents an important step toward patient-centered healthcare communication. As medicine becomes more technologically advanced, we must ensure that patients—especially older adults—can access and understand their health information. The lessons learned from this research could eventually be applied to other types of medical test results and benefit patients with various health conditions beyond kidney disease and diabetes.