Patients struggling with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are not getting the education they need to effectively manage their condition. The most recent data shows educational classes covered by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are not being used. Moreover, patients are reporting misinformation when discussing their kidney disease. Discover why there is a lack of patient knowledge and what clinicians can do to improve their education efforts.* 

Why Are Clinicians Falling Short in Kidney Disease Education?

According to some advanced practitioners (APs) who work with kidney disease patients, there are a few reasons why education is sub-par:

• Patient education is “not patient-centered, not patient-directed.” There are a variety of CKD educational materials, from books and pamphlets to YouTube videos, but many of them are general information not geared toward a patient’s education level, stage of kidney disease, or emotional well-being.
• Education is inconsistent and fragmented. In a standard 20-minute office visit, doctors and APs review medications, discuss lab work, complete a physical exam, and make medication changes. This leaves little time for a patient’s questions and education.
• Education often comes too late. Currently, Medicare pays for six hours of CKD education for stage 4 Medicare beneficiaries or stage 4 to 5 in some areas. Expanding to stage 3 will allow more time for patients to internalize all the information. 

How Can Clinicians Improve Their Approach?

There are clear opportunities for clinicians to improve education. Here are a couple of ways some APs think it can be done:

• Take a different approach. Many patients are faced with a loss of livelihood, disruption to family dynamics, and body image changes. By learning and developing new techniques similar to those used by practitioners in palliative care, clinicians may better understand patients and educate them differently. 
• Offer peer counseling from fellow CKD patients. Combined with practitioner support and family/community involvement, peer counseling can be a great way to provide education. APs admit this has been especially successful in patients who initially resisted dialysis. 

Practitioners have realized that one size does not fit all in CKD care and education. Ongoing support from the entire CKD network, including insurance providers, will be needed to make effective and long-lasting changes in educating patients. 

*Davis, J., & Zuber, K. (2022, January 19). Clinicians need to improve education efforts among patients with CKD. Healio. https://www.healio.com/news/nephrology/20211228/clinicians-need-to-improve-education-efforts-among-patients-with-ckd