Nephrologists Should Voluntarily Divulge Survival Data to Potential Dialysis Patients: A Questionnaire Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: For many dialysis patients, survival is no different than with certain cancers. Yet, it appears that most nephrologists do not give detailed information about survival prior to obtaining informed consent for chronic dialysis. There are no published data on whether patients wish to be so informed. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether patients would want voluntary disclosure by their physician of their survival should they need dialysis, and if so, why? METHOD: A questionnaire was completed by 100 general nephrology patients during their first visit to a nephrologist. RESULTS: The vast majority of patients (97%) would want to be given life-expectancy information, and for the physician to do so without having to be prompted. Furthermore, the majority of patients would want as much information as possible, both good and bad. CONCLUSIONS: Virtually all patients want, and therefore should receive from their physician, prognostic information about dialysis to facilitate informed decision-making. This is in accordance with current practice guidelines.