Integrated care: enhancing transition from renal replacement therapy options to home haemodialysis

Transition is an intrinsic process in the life of a patient with kidney disease and should be planned and anticipated when possible. A single therapy option might not be adequate across a patient's entire lifespan and many patients will require a switch in their treatment modality to adapt the treatment to their clinical and psychosocial needs. There are several reasons behind changing a patient's treatment modality, and the consequences of each decision should be evaluated, considering both short- and long-term benefits and risks. Dialysis modality transition is not only to allow for technical optimization or improved patient survival, the patient's experience associated with the transition should also be taken into account. Transition should not be considered as treatment failure, but rather as an expected progression in the patient's treatment options.