Perceptions of Illness Severity, Treatment Goals and Life Expectancy

Summary

Participation Requirements

Description

Sharing and communicating information with patients is an integral part of medical care, yet research has shown that disparities exist between physicians and patient perceptions of illness severity. In renal medicine, along with many other specialties, expected prognosis can affect treatment offered...

Sharing and communicating information with patients is an integral part of medical care, yet research has shown that disparities exist between physicians and patient perceptions of illness severity. In renal medicine, along with many other specialties, expected prognosis can affect treatment offered.Thus appreciating and understanding one's prognosis can influence patients and relatives' expectations for treatment and guide discussions regarding quality of life. Previous work has highlighted disparities in the United States between expectations of survival of seriously ill haemodialysis patients and their physicians. The investigators plan to repeat this study within the United Kingdom, to see whether similar issues occur and to elucidate current practice on discussions of prognosis, symptom burden and transplant candidacy. The investigators hope to identify where care can be improved and to enable patients to better make informed decisions on treatment and goals of care.

Tracking Information