Cardiac surgery is a life-saving procedure that helps thousands of people every year. However, up to 30% of people experience kidney injury after cardiac surgery, which can lead to serious long-term health problems, including kidney disease and dialysis. This research project aims to identify patients at risk of kidney injury before surgery by studying kidney cells naturally shed in urine, helping clinicians detect vulnerability earlier and provide more personalised care. Your lived experience insights will help ensure this research addresses the needs and priorities of affected patients and families.
About the Project and the Involvement Opportunity
Heart surgery can be lifesaving, but some people develop acute kidney injury afterwards, even when they do not have obvious risk factors. Current tests usually detect kidney injury only after damage has occurred, limiting opportunities for prevention.
This research will investigate whether kidney cells and tiny particles called exosomes, which are naturally shed into urine, can provide early warning signs that the kidneys may be vulnerable to injury. Using advanced genomic technologies, the study aims to identify biological changes that occur before kidney damage is detected by standard clinical tests. Ultimately, this could help clinicians identify patients at higher risk before surgery and take steps to better protect their kidneys.
We are seeking input from people with lived experience of acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, dialysis, or kidney complications following cardiac surgery, such as coronary artery bypass surgery. Consumer involvement will help ensure the research remains patient-centred by advising on study design, that information about risk and results are communicated clearly and sensitively, and the relevance of research outcomes reflects what matters most to those living with this risk. Your perspectives will help shape research that is practical, meaningful and focused on improving future care.
About the Position
This is a Research Buddy position. As a Research Buddy, there are multiple activities you could be involved in with the research team:
- Sharing your lived experience perspectives.
- Reviewing and providing feedback on research proposals, grants, reports, and resources.
- Advising on research priorities and project development.
- Participating in discussions, meetings, and consultation activities.
- Contributing as a speaker or panellist.
- Co-designing research activities, resources, and projects.
- Supporting the planning and delivery of involvement activities.
What Am I Expected to Do?
- Attend regular meetings with the research team (e.g., monthly or quarterly)
- Review documents (e.g., grant applications, consent forms, surveys)
- Share your lived experience and insights
- Optional: Participate in public presentations or forums
- Help design participant recruitment strategies
What Skills or Experience Do I Need?
Just your lived experience as a patient or carer. No prior research experience required. Ability to be inclusive and clear with your communication. Comfortable contributing to discussions in a group setting, familiarity with Zoom/ Teams, and/or confident or able to come to The Harry Perkins Institute.
How Long Am I Expected to Be Involved?
For the next two years, we anticipate holding meetings three times per year, with each meeting lasting approximately two hours, alongside occasional email communication in between. There may be periods when more frequent communication is needed, such as during grant submission periods (February to August) or if a consumer is invited to co-present or speak at an event, should they wish to be involved. This will be all determined as the project progresses. Materials and updates will be shared as needed throughout the project.
Where Will Meetings Be Held?
A mix of in-person and online, depending on consumer preference. If in person, at Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun St, Nedlands.
What Support Is Offered?
- An honorarium of $50.00 per hour is available for consumer involvement activities in line with CCIProgram guidelines
- Training and support provided by the CCIProgram or relevant support
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