At Northwest Kidney Centers, research happens right in our clinics. Patients can take part in new care and treatments without needing to leave the care teams they know and trust.
Through our partnership with the Kidney Research Institute and the University of Washington, NKC clinics serve as a hub for meaningful kidney research. KRI researchers work directly inside NKC clinics, allowing patients to participate in studies during their regular care routines.
“At Northwest Kidney Centers, research happens inside our clinics with the same care teams patients already know and trust,” said Dr. Matt Rivara chief medical officer at Northwest Kidney Centers. “We’re fortunate to have a strong partnership with talented and innovative researchers at the University of Washington’s Kidney Research Institute. Through this partnership, NKC patients can take part in KRI research studies during their regular care visits, with no extra travel and fewer barriers to participation. This makes research more accessible and representative.”
In the past year, about 150 NKC patients have participated in research, with six studies currently underway. Research is also important to the providers who refer patients to NKC – most say that research opportunities for their patients are an important reason they value our care. Participation in research also reflects our broader aims of giving back to the community and helping shape the future of kidney care.
Key research studies at NKC
HOME-BP Trial (KRI Home Blood Pressure Study)
High blood pressure is a serious health concern for people on dialysis. It’s closely linked to heart disease, hospitalizations, and other serious complications. Yet most blood pressure studies did not include dialysis patients, which made it harder to know the safest and most effective ways to treat them.
The HOME-BP Trial looks at whether blood pressure readings taken at home on non-dialysis days lead to safer, better care than relying solely on readings taken before dialysis. NKC patients played an important role in the trial.
Researchers are now reviewing the results, and their findings could help guide how kidney doctors monitor and help manage patients’ blood pressure in the future.
Diality Home hemodialysis trial
NKC is also serving as a clinical trial site for the Diality home hemodialysis system, supporting innovation in home dialysis options. The study is actively enrolling patients and is expected to conclude in 2027.
Home hemodialysis options are still limited, so expanding choices helps increase access and flexibility for patients. The Diality system is designed to support comfort and greater dialysate flow flexibility, allowing providers to be able to better customize treatments.
This work supports NKC’s goal of staying at the forefront of dialysis innovation while improving patient independence and long-term outcomes.
Why research matters for our patients
Research at NKC is about improving everyday care for our patients. By bringing research studies directly into our clinics, it’s easier for patients to take part, leading to broader representation, stronger study results and faster improvements in care.