Perceived informational needs, problems, or concerns among patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease

The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe the informational needs, problems, or concerns of patients with Stage 4 CKD and to describe what is desired in an educational program for them. Awareness of needs can facilitate the development of quality educational programs for this complex patient population. This study found the top four informational needs, problems, or concerns since reaching Stage 4 included knowledge of kidney disease, taking medication the physician prescribed, care of an access, and financial concerns. The top concerns about the possibility of starting dialysis included maintaining normal social relationships and treatment options. According to patients, the top four topics they would like included in an educational program are knowledge of kidney disease, care of a vascular access, treatment options, and medications. This information may extend beyond what is traditionally included in pre-dialysis educational programs.