Understanding your medical team is crucial, especially when managing kidney health. In today's healthcare landscape, a medical team extends beyond physicians to include highly trained physician extenders like certified physician assistants and nurse practitioners. These specialists provide essential supplemental support, capable of taking medical histories, conducting physical examinations, writing prescriptions, and answering patient health questions. The goal is for these extenders to have more time with patients, ensuring needs are met and questions are thoroughly addressed. They maintain close communication with the team's physicians, consulting on diagnosis or treatment when needed.

The Nephrology Team

A comprehensive nephrology team also includes dedicated nurses, renal dietitians, and social workers. Each member brings specialized knowledge and skills, working in a coordinated manner. They meet frequently to discuss patient care strategies, all with the unified goal of providing the best possible healthcare and quality of life for individuals living with chronic kidney disease.

The Transplant Team

For those considering or undergoing transplantation, the kidney transplant team consists of a transplant surgeon and a transplant nephrologist. Together, they address the complex surgical and medical aspects of kidney disease. Transplant coordinators, both pre-transplant and post-transplant, typically manage daily patient contact, serving as the front-line support in the clinic. A transplant team also includes a social worker to address social and economic needs, along with a financial advisor.

What to Expect from Your Team

Communication

Good communication between the medical team, the patient, and involved family members is key to fostering trust and respect for all parties. It allows for effective exchange of important information. Doctors and other renal specialists have an obligation to explain information in terms that can be understood by the patient and family.

Accessibility

Medical team members should be accessible to their patients, as quality of care depends on it. Phone calls should be returned in a timely manner. Adequate time should be spent with the patient, whether in person or via telephone, to ensure their concerns are addressed and they have a clear understanding of the disease, treatment options, and what is expected of them.

Privacy

Privacy considerations must be addressed if the patient wishes to hear information privately, rather than in the presence of family members. If someone has a question or concern that is outside of the medical team’s realm, the patient should be referred to the appropriate source.

Sensitivity

Medical team members should show sensitivity. When confronted with a CKD diagnosis, patients and family members experience a variety of emotions. The medical team should be willing to listen to their concerns. Something considered a minor concern by the team may be a major concern to the patient and family, as CKD can be life-changing.

Consideration

The physical and emotional stamina of the patient should be taken into consideration when the medical team communicates. The team should try to determine the most effective approach for presenting information to an individual – whether being very straightforward and detailed, or providing smaller pieces of information for a basic understanding. Individualizing care takes more time but helps patients reach acceptance and cope better.

Education

The medical team should help educate the patient and family about chronic kidney disease and how to take the best possible care of themselves. It is important for the patient to be an active part of the medical care team. Having questions answered and receiving pertinent informational materials will help patients understand their particular form of chronic kidney disease, treatment options, complications and side effects, and possible outcome scenarios.

Quality of Care

The medical team has a responsibility to provide the best possible quality of care available by staying abreast of medical breakthroughs and updating practice protocols as needed. Sharing what they’ve learned with patients and families increases patient confidence in the medical team and the care being provided.