Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund is delighted to congratulate Professor Joanne Reid on being named a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the highest honours in the nursing profession.

Joanne, Chair of Cancer and Palliative Care at Queen’s University Belfast’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, has built a research programme focused on understanding cachexia and improving how it is recognised and managed.

NIKRF is proud to have supported her ongoing work into cachexia in people with kidney disease.

Understanding the person behind the condition

Cachexia is a serious medical condition associated with underlying illness that causes loss of weight, muscle and strength.

For people with kidney disease, its effects can extend beyond physical symptoms. Joanne’s research has highlighted the psychological, emotional and social impact on patients and those who care for them.

Her interest began through her clinical experience. Today, she leads an international working group on renal cachexia, bringing together expertise from different disciplines to address this complex condition.

The research programme has helped build understanding of patients’ experiences and identified differences in how healthcare professionals recognise and manage cachexia. It reinforces the need for coordinated care that considers the whole person.

How NIKRF funding is helping

NIKRF’s sustained support has helped the programme progress from understanding the challenges of cachexia towards developing and evaluating approaches to care.

Most recently, NIKRF funded a Cochrane Review examining evidence on approaches that combine different forms of treatment and support for cachexia.

That review has provided an important foundation for an ongoing trial, also funded by NIKRF, across four sites in Northern Ireland. The study is exploring the feasibility of an approach combining exercise, dietary advice and measures to address inflammation.

This is an important next step in research. The trial will help establish whether the approach is practical and acceptable before a larger study can assess its effectiveness.

An achievement shared with others

Fellowship of the American Academy of Nursing recognises substantial and sustained contributions to nursing and healthcare.

Reflecting on what the honour means to her, Joanne said:

“This honour reflects the collective contributions of mentors, colleagues, collaborators, and, most importantly, patients whose experiences have informed and inspired cachexia research.”

Everyone at NIKRF extends their warmest congratulations to Joanne on this outstanding achievement.

To everyone who donates, fundraises or volunteers for NIKRF: thank you. Your support helps make this continuing research possible, building knowledge that could improve care for people living with kidney disease.