Barriers and challenges to peer support in chronic kidney disease: a landscape review using thematic synthesis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Objectives Peer support is increasingly considered a useful approach to complement chronic kidney disease (CKD) care. However, establishing and sustaining peer support programmes remains challenging because of barriers affecting their delivery and uptake. This qualitative evidence landscape review aimed to explore and synthesise qualitative evidence on barriers and challenges to peer support among people living with CKD. Design A qualitative evidence landscape review was conducted using thematic synthesis following the approach described by Thomas and Harden. The review was reported in accordance with the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) statement. Data sources Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus were searched from January 2000 to August 2026. Additional searches were conducted using Google Scholar, manual searching and the reference lists of included studies. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Qualitative studies and mixed-methods studies with a distinct qualitative component were included if they examined barriers, challenges or experiences related to peer support among people with CKD, peer supporters, carers or healthcare professionals. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist, and confidence in the synthesised findings was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (GRADE-CERQual) approach. Results A total of 3321 records were identified, including 3271 database records and 50 additional records; 15 studies were included in the synthesis. Five themes were identified: ineffective communication, organisational challenges, challenges of access to peer support programmes, personal fears and concerns and information challenges. These reflected interpersonal, organisational, access-related, individual and informational barriers. Conclusion Barriers to peer support in CKD span interpersonal, organisational, access-related, individual and informational dimensions. Attention to communication, accessibility, organisational support and the quality of information shared may support the implementation and sustainability of peer support programmes in kidney care.
Source: BMJ Open
Institution: Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Nephrology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,839
OpenAlex ID: W7221622971