Assessment of the geriatric competence and perceived needs of Italian nephrologists: an internet survey

An internet survey was set up to assess the geriatric competence and perceived needs of 337 members of the Italian society of nephrology (SIN). The survey assessed how well aware nephrologists are of the typical geriatric conditions and needs of their elderly chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. SIN associates were also questioned about their current use of comprehensive geriatric assessment, prescription of potentially nephrotoxic drugs, and screening for osteoporosis. The main finding is that CKD and dialysis are almost unanimously perceived as typically geriatric conditions, but knowledge and use of geriatric tools are scanty. While use of potentially inappropriate drugs is rare, almost half of the patients are not screened for osteoporosis. The significant clinical gaps observed could greatly impair the management of older CKD patients, and call for an urgent educational intervention.