[Patient education in pre-dialysis -- patient-led forums]

In order for patients to make an informed choice about renal replacement therapies, it is important that they are given sufficient and appropriate information, which must include explanations about their condition and likely outcomes with or without treatment. Furthermore information regarding the reality of living with dialysis, its strict regimes and patient's commitment to self care are imperative to enable patients to adapt to a life changing, ongoing, often relentless treatment. Encouraging patients to take control of their chronic illness through the provision of education support and choice is fundamental to the successful outcomes of the patient's journey through the pre-dialysis phase of their illness. This paper describes the implementation of Patient-led Forums designed to offer an education programme for pre-dialysis patients and the benefits gained by those who have attended.