Chronic kidney disease: Integrating the patient’s voice into clinical decision-making

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now clearly defined. O nce the diagnosis is made, health care providers must establish a dialogue with the patient and include them in the decision-making process. It is essential that the patient becomes actively involved in managing their CKD on a daily basis and plays a constructive role during the various transitions that characterize the condition, in order to preserve their personal priorities and meet their expectations. Medical staff should measure symptoms, quality of life, and patient experience of care, in order to integrate these dimensions into the design of a personalized care pathway.