title: The scientific and professional challenges for the National Kidney Foundation in the 21st century.
abstract: The coming century will witness many changes in the science and practice of nephrology and in cultural attitudes and behavior that should have profound effects on the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). There will be marked advances in our understanding and treatment of kidney disease. Concomitantly, there should be continued advances in the technology of communication and more widespread utilization of this technology by the NKF. There should be substantial growth in the numbers of individuals with end-stage renal disease and a growing recognition of and respect for the psychosocial and material needs of these individuals. Rising prosperity will lead to many improvements in the delivery of health care to patients with renal disease and renal failure. It is anticipated that the financial resources of the NKF will continue to increase and that this factor will enhance the ability of the NKF to carry out its many programs. These changes will present new opportunities and new challenges to the NKF. It is anticipated that these changes will be manifest in at least the following five areas of NKF activity: (1) There will be increased advocacy for funding for renal research from federal agencies, especially from the National Institutes of Health; the NKF research fellowship and grants program will also grow. (2) There will be a continued NKF commitment to facilitate the translation of new scientific and medical advances into routine health care delivered to the average renal patient. (3) There will be improved techniques for professional education. (4) There will be greater international cooperation among kidney-focused organizations, particularly among different kidney foundations. (5) There will be an increase in the scope of activities that promote patient empowerment and rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Kopple
mesh_terms: D005380:Financing, Government; D005544:Forecasting; D005653:Fund Raising; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D007674:Kidney Diseases; D009398:Nephrology / Q000639:trends*; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D009939:Organizations, Nonprofit / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends*; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000639:trends*