title: Communication Skills and Decision Making for Elderly Patients With Advanced Kidney Disease: A Guide for Nephrologists.
abstract: Elderly patients comprise the most rapidly growing population initiating dialysis therapy and may derive particular benefit from comprehensive assessment of geriatric syndromes, coexisting comorbid conditions, and overall prognosis. Palliative care is a philosophy that aims to improve quality of life and assist with treatment decision making for patients with serious illness such as kidney disease. Palliative skills for the nephrology provider can aid in the care of these patients. This review provides nephrology providers with 4 primary palliative care skills to guide treatment decision making: (1) use prognostic tools to identify patients who may benefit from conservative management, (2) disclose prognostic information to patients who may not do well with dialysis therapy, (3) incorporate patient goals and values to outline a treatment plan, and (4) prepare patients and families for transitions and end of life.
authors.affiliation: Division of Kidney Diseases and Hypertension, Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, North Shore LIJ Health Systems, Great Neck, NY. Electronic address: hkoncicki@nshs.edu.
authors.forename: Holly M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Koncicki
authors.affiliation: Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.
authors.forename: Jane O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Schell
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000066491:Clinical Decision-Making; D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D009398:Nephrology; D010166:Palliative Care; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
keywords: Elderly; chronic kidney disease; communication; conservative management; dialysis; end-of-life; end-stage renal disease; geriatric care; nephrologist; prognosis; prognostic tools; review; treatment plan