American Nephrology Nurses Association National Symposium

While the prevalence of chronic kidney disease is higher in patients with severe mental illness compared with the general population, limited research has made it difficult for staff to detect key markers of mental illness, a speaker said.

After attending classes led by a nurse practitioner, patients with chronic kidney disease – 89% of whom were food insecure – showed improved knowledge on disease management, specifically as it relates to sodium intake and hypertension.

Incremental dialysis – up to 2 sessions a week – is an effective way to help patients transition into dialysis while still preserving residual renal function, a speaker said.

While patient activation is “a fairly new term in the kidney space,” a speaker argued it is now necessary for nephrology nurses to understand and improve activation and self-management for patients with kidney disease.

Research presented at the American Nephrology Nurses Association National Symposium revealed 14% of patients who chose conservative management went on to receive dialysis.

By developing relationships based on trust and open communication, nephrology nurses have a unique opportunity to help patients with kidney disease safely manage chronic pain, according to a speaker from the CDC.

In health care where emergent dialysis to manage kidney disease is part of the new normal, it is important that nurses consider all options – and viewpoints – as they build leadership skills, a speaker said.