The need for care co-ordination in an ageing dialysis population

Over the past ten year period, there has been a sharp increase in the age distribution of dialysis patients. The mean age of patients entering dialysis therapy in 1995 was 69 years, rising to 75 years by 2005 (Figure 1). Of this group of patients, there is a 20% mortality rate within 6 months of commencing dialysis (Figure 2). Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is considered a bridge to transplantation. However, what if the patient is not eligible for transplantation because of age, co-morbidity or refusal?