Appropriate care for older people approaching kidney failure: design and implementation of geriatric assessment in kidney care

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease affects millions of people worldwide, particularly older adults. Advanced stages of the disease significantly impact quality of life. Deciding on the best treatment option is complex and varies greatly between individuals. By incorporating geriatric principles, such as comprehensive assessments, into nephrology, one can identify vulnerabilities like cognitive impairments, physical limitations, and social challenges. This book explores how to better support older adults with complex care needs, including making treatment decisions. The study informs on outcomes of treatment decisions like dialysis and conservative care. Besides, it demonstrates that integrating geriatric assessments in kidney care is feasible and valuable. The geriatric approach helps patients and physicians make informed decisions that align medical possibilities with personal preferences. Tailoring care to individual needs through geriatric assessments is likely to improve outcomes and prioritises quality of life. Finally, the book also provides insights into challenges of older adults with advanced kidney disease, such as mental wellbeing and apathy. These findings are especially important in an aging society, where decisions about complex care are becoming more common. This research lays the groundwork for more personalised kidney care and inspires further studies to refine tailored approaches for both patients and their informal caregivers.