The rapid development of a novel kidney-specific digital intervention for self-management of physical activity and emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: Kidney Beam

<p>Individuals living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) report high levels of physical inactivity and poor emotional well-being [1]. Despite disease-specific guidelines promoting physical activity (PA) participation [2], people living with CKD do not routinely receive PA or emotional well-being support as part of their clinical care [3].</p> <p>The challenge to engage people living with CKD with PA and emotional well-being interventions was exacerbated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic. Specifically, CKD was identified as a significant risk factor for more severe COVID-19 infection [4, 5], and people with CKD were advised to shield at home. The resultant impact on the physical and emotional well-being of these individuals was captured in a Kidney Care UK patient survey, which revealed that 41% of respondents felt anxious, lonely or isolated during the pandemic [6].</p>