The NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) Renal Network has released a new Treatment Choices for Kidney Failure Toolkit to support people with kidney failure, their families and healthcare teams to make informed decisions about care.
Choosing a treatment for kidney failure is a significant decision that can affect a person’s health, daily life, family responsibilities and future plans. The toolkit has been developed to support clear, honest and culturally respectful conversations about available treatment options and encourages these discussions to begin early, giving people time to understand their choices and ask questions.
The resource provides easy-to-understand information about:
- Conservative care (care without dialysis)
- Dialysis (at home or in a dialysis centre)
- Kidney transplant
It explains what each option involves, including potential benefits, risks and how treatment may impact day-to-day life.
Importantly, the toolkit recognises that treatment decisions are personal and should reflect an individual’s values, culture, family circumstances and goals. Aboriginal people were involved in the development of the resource to help ensure the information is culturally appropriate and relevant.
This toolkit complements other resources available to support kidney health and kidney disease care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Additional information, educational resources and support services can be accessed through Kidney Health Australia’s First Nations Australians webpage.
Treatment Choices for Kidney Failure Toolkit
Kidney Health Australia First Nations Australians resources
