In preparation for dialysis when and what should patients be told to assist them in their decision regarding modality choice?
Patient education should begin early. The patients may wish to understand their options early in their disease progression; however, referral to a nephrologist and education with respect to options for kidney or placement therapy should begin no later than stage 4 CKD.
Options such as conservative care, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis, and renal transplantation should be discussed and plans established.
