Your voice matters. If you live with kidney disease, you have insights into your care that doctors and healthcare teams need to hear. That’s why Kidney Care UK launched the Kidney Patient Reported Experience Measure (PREM) – a national survey giving kidney patients the chance to anonymously share their experience of care. At MRIKPA, we encourage you to take part when the survey opens again.
What is the Kidney PREM?
PREM stands for “Patient Reported Experience Measure.” It’s a survey, available in English, Welsh, Urdu, and Gujarati, designed to capture how patients actually feel about their kidney care. Unlike clinical measures that focus on medical outcomes (blood pressure, kidney function test results), the Kidney PREM asks about your real-world experience: how well your team communicates with you, whether you feel involved in decisions about your care, and how well your treatment fits into your life.
The Kidney PREM is the only national annual survey of its kind in the UK, covering everyone with kidney disease attending hospital renal units, satellite clinics, and those who have received a kidney transplant.
Why patient experience matters in kidney care decisions
By taking part, you help create change. Here’s how:
- Your unit improves: Results are shared with individual kidney teams so they understand what’s working and what needs to change in their care.
- The NHS sees trends: A national picture emerges, showing where kidney care is falling short. This informs policy and funding decisions.
- Charities advocate smarter: Organisations like Kidney Care UK use PREM data to fight for better services and patient-centred approaches.
- Your confidentiality is protected: All responses are anonymous. Your team won’t know what you said individually.
At MRIKPA, we’ve seen how patient feedback drives improvement. When patients speak up about challenges – whether it’s the burden of dialysis routines, transport barriers, or feeling rushed during clinic appointments – healthcare providers listen and adapt.
Who can take part?
You’re eligible if you:
- Have kidney disease (CKD) and attend an adult kidney clinic (or are a parent/carer of a child in paediatric kidney clinic)
- Have received a kidney transplant
- Attend a UK hospital renal unit or satellite clinic
The 2025 PREM survey has now closed, but results will be released in Spring 2026. When the 2026 survey opens, MRIKPA members will be among the first to know.
How to get involved when the survey reopens
When Kidney Care UK launches the next PREM survey:
- Watch for invitations: Your kidney unit will notify you or your team will mention it during your next appointment. You’ll receive an email or letter with a secure online link.
- Take your time: The survey typically takes 10-15 minutes. There’s no rush.
- Be honest: The PREM only works if patients are truthful about their experience. If something isn’t working, say so. If your team is excellent, share that too.
- Request paper copies: If you prefer not to complete it online, ask your unit whether they can provide and submit a paper version on your behalf. Don’t print your own – they won’t be counted.
What happens with the results?
In Spring 2026, Kidney Care UK will publish the 2024 PREM results. You’ll be able to see how your unit performed, how your experience compares nationally, and what changes units are making in response. At MRIKPA, we’ll also highlight findings that matter to our community and work with healthcare partners to push for improvements.
Explore our patient information resources to understand your kidney condition better and join a park walk to connect with others on the same journey.
Questions about the PREM or your kidney care? Contact MRIKPA at support@mrikpa.org.uk or call 07745 242 684. You can also reach Kidney Care UK directly at comms@kidneycareuk.org.
Source: Kidney Care UK – Learn more about the Kidney PREM at kidneycareuk.org
This article is provided for general information and awareness purposes only and was believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. It is not intended as medical advice – please always consult your doctor or renal team for guidance on your individual circumstances. While we take every care, errors can occur. If you spot an inaccuracy, please let us know at support@mrikpa.org.uk.
