Developing a renal supportive care team from the voices of patients, families, and palliative care staff

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective:Although half a million Americans suffer from end stage renal disease (ESRD), their quality of end-of-life care has been woefully inadequate. The Renal Supportive Care Team is a demonstration project that is designed to elicit and provide for the needs of dialysis patients and their families throughout the trajectory of their illnesses.Method:Six focus groups, including medical health professionals, dialysis patients, family members, and bereaved family members, discussed how to promote improved palliative care and encourage hospice referral for patients with ESRD.Results:Respondents agreed that there needed to be greater education of both patients and families regarding all aspects of the disease process, open communication, on-going support between patients, families, and the staff, continuity of care, pain control, and assistance with advance care planning.Significance of results:Palliative and supportive care issues in ESRD need greater attention.