'My kidneys, my choice, decision aid': supporting shared decision making.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Medical Decision Making
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face critical decisions regarding dialysis or conservative care as they approach end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
• Shared decision-making (SDM) is crucial for these complex choices but lacks adequate decision aids in nephrology.
• Existing decision aids in other medical fields highlight the potential for similar tools in kidney disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a novel decision aid for patients with CKD progressing to ESKD.
• To enhance the shared decision-making process between patients and healthcare providers in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).
• To support patient education regarding treatment options for advanced kidney disease.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team in ANZ utilized decision-making theory and best practices.
• Developed the 'My Kidneys, My Choice' decision aid, a patient-centered, five-sectioned tool.
• Initiated distribution and education across ANZ units.

Main Results:

• The 'My Kidneys, My Choice' decision aid is complete and accessible to all ANZ units.
• Distribution and educational initiatives have been implemented across ANZ.
• Initial phases of evaluating the decision aid in clinical practice are underway.

Conclusions:

• Creating an ESKD decision aid requires significant vision, multidisciplinary collaboration, and sustained resources.
• The developed tool is being integrated into ANZ's ESKD education and clinical practice.
• The decision aid actively promotes the philosophy and practice of shared decision-making for kidney disease patients.