CE: continuing education article. Integration of palliative care for patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease.
Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (Stage 5 CKD) have palliative care needs similar to patients with cancer. The decision not to commence dialysis or to withdraw from active treatment can have a profound impact upon all those closely involved in the patient's care. It is essential that every effort is made to minimise the physical and psycho-social symptoms experienced by patients who require palliative care. Effective teamwork across professional boundaries and specialities will ensure that patients and their families are provided with maximum comfort during their final days. All members of the healthcare team must strive to ensure patient and family are actively encouraged in the decision-making process surrounding palliative care needs.
Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, UK. j.sedgewick@tees.ac.uk
John
J
Sedgewick
Helen
H
Noble
Tai Mooi
TM
Ho
Theodora
T
Kafkia
Jean-Pierre
JP
Van Waeleghem
D017051:Hospice Care; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care; D013727:Terminal Care; D016312:Treatment Refusal