A multidisciplinary renal osteoporosis clinic: a new role for the nephrology nurse

Osteoporosis is one form of osteodystrophy that may be treated and/or prevented with a comprehensive approach. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we created a multidisciplinary kidney osteoporosis clinic with a nephrology nurse at the center of patient care. This article will describe the development of our clinic, our multidisciplinary approach to patient care, and how the nephrology nurse is uniquely qualified for the central role in the care of these patients. Preliminary outcome data is described, demonstrating the positive effect our clinic has had on patient care. A description of the pathogenesis and treatment of osteoporosis in renal patients is also given to provide background for the reader.