Perspectives on Physical Activity in Nephrology: An Explorative Cross‐Sectional Survey of Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease and Nephrology Nurses

Background Persons with chronic kidney disease are often physically inactive, despite evidence supporting the benefits of physical activity. However, implementation of physical activity in clinical practice remains limited. Objectives To investigate and compare informational needs and priorities regarding physical activity among persons with chronic kidney disease and nephrology nurses. Methods This cross‐sectional survey included adults with chronic kidney disease and nephrology nurses in Denmark. Participants reported their need for information on physical activity, preferred educational formats and preferred clinical monitoring approaches. Results A total of 82 persons with chronic kidney disease and 107 nurses participated. Both groups expressed a need for more information on exercise modalities, safety, and the effects of physical activity. Nurses more frequently requested information on exercise modalities (78.5% vs. 63.4%, p = 0.013) and motivational strategies (79.4%). Patients more often preferred physical activity level as a clinical monitoring parameter (69.5%), whereas nurses preferred physical function (66.4%) ( p = 0.013). Audiovisual materials were widely requested by both groups. Conclusions Persons with chronic kidney disease and nephrology nurses share substantial informational needs regarding physical activity, although differences exist in preferred monitoring approaches. Developing aligned educational resources and incorporating motivational strategies may support implementation of physical activity in clinical practice. Due to exploratory nature, the findings of this study should be interpreted as hypothesis‐generating rather than confirmatory.