Decisional Needs Assessment to Help Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Make Better Dialysis Choices.

Abstract

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) face many choices regarding future dialysis modalities. Decision-making is difficult for patients. The objective of this study was to describe the decision-making needs from the perspectives of patients with advanced CKD, professionals, and others involved in the decision. Guided by a shared decision-making model, this qualitative study was conducted using interviews with key informants (17 patients, two peer helpers, and eight health professionals) and a focus group (five nurses). The results revealed evolving decisional needs in five-stage through the decision making journey: 1) Progress toward acceptance of dialysis, 2) Receive information, 3) Take some time for personal reflection, 4) Seek opinion and support of other, and 5) Re-evaluate one's choice. As we anticipate decisional needs, we will be able to develop decision support interventions that are stage-matched.