Decision-making & symptom control in kidney failure

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly prevalent in Australia’s ageing population. Over the past decade, there has been growing recognition that comprehensive conservative care may be a more suitable treatment option. Patients with advanced age, significant comorbidities and poor functional status may not gain a survival benefit with dialysis when compared with being managed conservatively. 

Salient aspects throughout the trajectory of kidney failure will be discussed in this case-study based activity. Relevant management of common symptoms in kidney failure important decisions in advance care planning and end-of-life care will also be covered. GPs usually have known the patients and their families for many years and therefore can contribute greatly towards facilitating kidney failure treatment discussions and holistic ongoing care in kidney failure.

Presenter

Dr Namrata Khanal, Nephrologist

Learning outcomes:

• Describe comprehensive conservative care as a treatment option in kidney failure
• Outline the management of common symptoms in kidney failure
• Discuss end-of-life planning in the setting of kidney failure