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Journal of General Internal Medicine
Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine 3/2008

01-03-2008 | Health Policy

Older Adults and Chronic Kidney Disease Decision Making by Primary Care Physicians: A Scholarly Review and Research Agenda

Authors: Kellie Hunter Campbell, MD, MA, William Dale, MD, PhD, Nicole Stankus, MD, MSc, Greg A. Sachs, MD

Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine | Issue 3/2008

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Abstract

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health concern that overwhelmingly affects older adults. National guidelines have called for earlier referral of CKD patients, but it is unclear how these should apply to older adults.

Objective

This scholarly review aims to explore the current literature about upstream referral decisions for CKD within the context of decisions about initiation of dialysis and general referral decisions. The authors propose a model for understanding the referral process and discuss future directions for research to guide decision making for older patients with CKD.

Results

While age has been shown to be influential in decisions to refer patients for dialysis and other medical therapies, the role of other patient factors such as competing medical co-morbidities, functional loss, or cognitive impairment in the decision making of physicians has been less well elucidated, particularly for CKD.

Conclusions

More information is needed on the decision-making behavior of physicians for upstream referral decisions like those being advocated for CKD. Exploring the role of geriatric factors like cognitive and functional status may help facilitate more appropriate use of resources and improve patient outcomes.
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Metadata
Title
Older Adults and Chronic Kidney Disease Decision Making by Primary Care Physicians: A Scholarly Review and Research Agenda
Authors
Kellie Hunter Campbell, MD, MA
William Dale, MD, PhD
Nicole Stankus, MD, MSc
Greg A. Sachs, MD
Publication date
01-03-2008
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Journal of General Internal Medicine / Issue 3/2008
Print ISSN: 0884-8734
Electronic ISSN: 1525-1497
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-007-0492-x

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