How to select among dialysis options

Abstract

End-stage renal disease is an almost unique disease area in which patients not only choose their treatment modality but can also change their mind and their treatment as time goes by. The way that information about treatment options is presented to patients is critical in influencing how they process this information, and it is possible to present information to patients in different ways so that patients can make better decisions about the treatment they receive. It is important to recognize that simply giving more information to patients does not necessarily improve their ability to make decisions. Instead, a series of simple principles should be used when giving information to help patients to choose between dialysis options, and it is possible to put this together into 'patient decision aid' which will reduce bias and increase the likelihood of a patient choosing the treatment which is right for them. If a patient does do this, it is more likely that they will comply with the treatment better, tolerate complications of the treatment better, and experience better outcomes.