Information and counselling for patients approaching end-stage renal failure in selected centres across Europe

The EDTNA/ERCA survey of the provision of pre-ESRF information, education and counselling in renal care was the third project organised through the Collaborative Research Programme (CRP). Data was collected from 35 participating centres in 10 countries. The majority of participating centres had a structured pre-ESRF programme. Advice and education received by patients in these centres was usually provided by a multidisciplinary team and was coordinated by nurses in half of the centres. Programmes in all countries had similar content in that normal kidney function, medication, diet, haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and transplantation were routinely discussed and that issues such as employment, importance of leisure activities, holidays and Kidney Patient Associations were also on the agenda for discussion. Educational material produced by companies was widely used. Policy differences did emerge in attitudes to discussing the "no-treatment" option with patients accepted for dialysis and in the treatment that would be offered to patients with specific co-morbidities and life-style.