Recognizing that 20% of dialysis patients die each year, coordinated end-of-life care is an essential part of a quality care plan. However, there are many misconceptions about available end-of-life services for kidney patients. Additionally, questions exist as to how to best help patients express their end-of-life treatment desires, how to implement a quality end-of-life and palliative care program in the dialysis unit, and how to meet the educational needs of patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
In order to address these questions, MARC formed the national Kidney End-of-Life Coalition with a mission to educate kidney patients, families, and healthcare professionals on how to support integrated, patient-centered end-of-life care across the caring continuum. Since its inception in 2005, the Kidney End-of-Life Coalition has hosted several national meetings, sustained active workgroups, and maintained a dynamic, resource-rich website , providing education on such topics as advance care planning, hospice and palliative care, pain and symptom management, and more. The website also includes a number of brochures, PowerPoint presentations, and handouts available for free download and use in an educational setting.
To learn more about the Coalition and access free information on end-of-life care for CKD patients, visit the Kidney End-of-Life Coalition website at www.kidneyeol.org.
The Advance Care Planning: For the Dialysis Patient and Their Family brochure was developed by the MARC and the Academy for Educational Development, with funding from CMS, to serve as a guide for patients and their families as they discuss options for future care. If you would like copies of the brochure, download an order form for the Advance Care Planning brochure and submit it to the Network office.
MARC is also a member of the National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) initiative which exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning by dedicating one day each year – April 16 – to advance care planning education and awareness. To learn more about NHDD, visit their website. MARC also has a number of End-of-Life Care presentations on our Presentations webpage for facility-based education.
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