Another model to be considered is for the development of a small number of Units such as this described above, to become so-called ‘Centres of Excellence’

– probably a better term would be ‘RSC training centres’. In this way, existing staff in a Renal Unit could spend time in one of these centres to learn about management of patients on a non-dialysis Renal Supportive Selleck Maraviroc Care programme and take that knowledge back with them to their Unit. In such cases it is likely that a Renal Supportive Care CNC position would still be required in each large Renal Unit to ensure the success of such a programme. Other models will undoubtedly be developed and will be successful. The importance is that whatever model is used the focus should be on ensuring optimum nephrology care while adding a focus on symptom control, holistic physical and spiritual care and, when appropriate, the facilitation of a ‘good deaths’, all of this underpinned by assessment of service performance as outlined above. A Katalin Urban Resuscitation status and Advance Care Plans need to be discussed and clearly documented The Liverpool Care Pathway is a recognized model of end-of-life (EOL) care, and has been adapted for patients with end-stage renal disease Recognition of a dying patient allows initiation of a multidisciplinary EOL pathway such as the Liverpool Care Pathway

for hospital inpatients, and for support for families selleck screening library if a home death is planned. A fall in performance status is an indicator of decline. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is associated with high levels of morbidity and poor prognosis. Despite this, end

of life care for these patients is variable. An essential part of caring for these patients (especially on the conservative management pathway) should include ensuring a good death. End of life care incorporates four key domains of care, physical, psychological, social and spiritual (Table 1) and supports the family at that time and into bereavement. The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) was developed for patients dying of terminal cancer (mainly in the acute hospital setting – tuclazepam although also transferable to the community) and has been shown to be transferable to patients dying from cerebrovascular accident or heart failure.[1] The LCP is an integrated care pathway designed for the care of patients who are in the last days/hours of their life, to facilitate effective planning and provision of care during this critical time. The challenge is to ensure best practice in end of life care in the renal failure setting. In the UK, a Steering Group was set up to determine if the LCP was transferable to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and a Renal LCP document was formulated with prescribing guidelines.