The role of different nephrology experts in informed shared decision-making for renal replacement therapy

Interprofessional teams and peer support are being increasingly considered in informed shared decision-making. In Germany, there appear to be deficits in the implementation of informed shared decision-making in the choice of renal replacement therapy, such as the lack of collaboration in interprofessional teams and the absence of structured peer support programmes for patients with chronic kidney disease.

To explore nephrologists' and nurses' perspectives regarding their involvement in shared decision-making when choosing renal replacement therapy.

Guideline-based, problem-centred interviews were used.

A total of 20 nephrologists and 15 nurses were recruited from 21 dialysis units all over Germany.

Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. They were analysed thematically using structuring and summary content analysis, supported by the qualitative data analysis software MAXQDA 12.

The most important findings were the late or missing participation of nurses in the informed shared decision-making process and the unstructured peer support. Along with time and financial factors, these aspects were seen as barriers to shared decision-making with patients who are often overwhelmed by the diagnosis. Furthermore, informed shared decision-making has been insufficiently considered in professional education and training.

Shared decision-making in the choice of renal replacement therapy is particularly challenging due to the patients' high disease burden. The greater incorporation of informed shared decision-making in education and training as well as the consistent involvement of nursing staff and structured peer counselling already in the predialysis phase with adequate reimbursement can address the identified hurdles.