Eight Years Later: The Evolution and Impact of Patient‐Focused Multidisciplinary Clarification

Abstract

Introduction: Portuguese guidelines advocate for multidisciplinary clarification consultations for stage 5 kidney disease. In October 2022, our hospital’s nephrology department underwent restructuring, focusing on a patient‐centered approach. This study aims to characterize patients, assess satisfaction, and compare data from 2014 to 2022.

Methods: Telephone questionnaires were used from October 2022 to June 2023, compared with a 2013‐2014 similar study. Patient consent was obtained, and clinical records were reviewed.

Results: In 2013/2014, 82% responded, with 87.7% opting for hemodialysis (HD) and 12.2% for peritoneal dialysis (PD). In 2022/2023, 64.1% responded, with 60% choosing HD and 26% PD. All found the session useful, 96% felt capable of deciding, and 80% preferred audiovisual information. In 2014, 78% could decide on renal replacement therapy. Reasons for choices were consistent across the years.

Conclusion: Restructuring positively impacted awareness and decision‐making, emphasizing the crucial role of multidisciplinary consultations in guiding chronic kidney disease patients toward informed treatment choices.