King's College London

iADJUST is an evidence-based psychological intervention supporting the mental health of individuals with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Delivered through the trusted Kidney Beam platform, iADJUST offers personalised, therapist-guided support using a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and behaviour change strategies. The intervention helps people manage emotional challenges, build resilience, and take a proactive role in their kidney health early in their care journey, when support can make the greatest impact.

Aims of the study

1. Evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of iADJUST among people with early-stage CKD
2. Improve mental health outcomes, including symptoms of anxiety and depression
3. Enhance self-management and patient activation in early CKD

Why it matters

Up to 1 in 3 people with CKD experience mental health difficulties, yet psychological care is often overlooked in kidney care clinics.

iADJUST delivers just-in-time mental health support, reaching individuals as they adjust to their diagnosis and begin navigating lifestyle changes. By intervening early, the programme aims to improve mental wellbeing, increase engagement with care, and enhance overall quality of life.

What the study involves

Participants are randomly assigned to receive either usual care or the iADJUST intervention, which includes:

• Tailored digital self-help tools, based on CBT and behaviour change techniques
• Regular therapist support via phone or video
• Access to Kidney Beam, a specialist online programme offering physical activity and wellbeing resources for people with CKD

Meet the team

The study is led by Pooja Schmill, NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre Doctoral Student at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London.

The project team includes health psychologists, renal clinicians, digital health experts and patient partners, working together to improve whole-person care in kidney disease.

The study is funded by the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre.

Get involved

If you're living with early-stage CKD (not on dialysis or post-transplant) and have experienced emotional distress, or if you're a clinician or researcher interested in integrated mental health care in CKD, we'd love to hear from you.