Identification of holistic needs in people with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global health challenge with substantial physical, psychological, social, and practical consequences beyond impaired kidney function. This review examines the rationale for holistic needs assessment, summarizes available assessment tools, and explores their role in delivering patient-centered care.

Recognition of the multidimensional needs of patients with CKD has led to the development of numerous patient-centered assessment tools. However, these instruments vary in scope, psychometric properties, and target populations. Most assess specific domains of patients' experiences, whereas few comprehensively identify unmet holistic needs and facilitate multidisciplinary interventions. Emerging evidence supports integrating holistic needs assessments into routine clinical workflows to systematically identify unmet needs and guide appropriate referrals to supportive services.

Holistic needs assessment offers a structured approach to identifying the multidimensional challenges experienced by patients with CKD that may otherwise go unrecognized in routine care. Integrating validated assessment tools into nephrology practice may enhance patient-centered care, enable earlier supportive interventions, and promote more comprehensive care delivery.