Patient Education in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Position Statement of the Polish Society of Nephrology.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasing public health challenge, affecting about 11% of adults worldwide. Kidney diseases are now the third fastest-growing cause of death globally, and the number of patients reaching end-stage kidney disease continues to rise, resulting in growing demand for renal replacement therapy. A variety of clinical and individual factors influence the management of the disease. However, meaningful patient participation in this process is only possible when patients possess adequate knowledge of their disease and treatment options. Patient education is therefore a fundamental component of CKD management. It promotes behaviors that improve disease control and slow disease progression, while empowering patients to actively engage in shared decision-making and enhancing quality of life. Although both Polish and international guidelines highlight the need for structured education and its integration into comprehensive care models, practical recommendations on how such programs should be organized remain scarce. This article presents an expert opinion based on clinical experience and current literature. The recommendations outline key principles for designing and implementing high-quality educational initiatives that can be applied across nephrology centers and tailored to different stages of CKD. They also provide a framework for establishing a nationwide nephrology education system built on best practices and evidence-based standards.