Perspectives on optimizing care of patients in multidisciplinary chronic kidney disease clinics

This article summarizes the key concepts discussed at the symposium from a patient and physician perspectives. Key messages include (1) understanding patient values and preferences is important as it provides a framework as to what to prioritize in multidisciplinary CKD clinic and provincial renal program models, (2) barriers to effective communication and education are common in the elderly, and adaptive strategies to limit their influence are critical to improve adherence and facilitate shared decision-making, (3) the use of standardized operating procedures (SOPs) improves efficiency and minimizes practice variability among health care practitioners, and (4) CKD scorecards with standardized system processes are useful in approaching variability as well as measuring and improving patient outcomes.LimitationsThe perspectives provided may not be applicable across centers given the differences in patient populations including age, ethnicity, culture, language, socioeconomic status, education, and multidisciplinary CKD clinic structure and function.ImplicationsKnowledge transmission by collaborative interprovincial and interprofessional networks may play a role in facilitating optimal CKD care. Validation of system and clinic models that improve outcomes is needed prior to disseminating these best practices.

Source: Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease - May 12, 2016 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research