• RussellJennifer St ClairJSCNational Kidney Foundation, New York, New York, USA., Andrea Oliverio, and Amber Paulus.
• National Kidney Foundation, New York, New York, USA.
• J Palliat Med. 2021 Sep 1; 24 (10): 1497-1504.

AbstractBackground: Not all treatments are appropriate for all individuals with kidney failure (KF). Studies suggest that conversations surrounding end-of-life decisions occur too late or not at all. Objectives: The aim of this research was to identify perceived barriers to such discussions among nephrologists and nephrology fellows to determine if barriers differ by experience level. Design: Phase I consisted of semistructured telephone interviews with nephrologists and fellows. Phase II included focus groups with nominal group technique in which providers ranked barriers to discussions about not initiating/withholding dialysis (NIWD) or discontinuing dialysis (DD). Setting/Subjects: U.S. community-based nephrologists and nephrology fellows. Results: Seven interviews were conducted with each group (n = 14) in phase I. Many barriers cited were similar among providers, however, differences were related to fellows' position as trainees citing the "reaction of their attending/supervising physician or other providers" as a barrier to NIWD and "lacking their attending physician's support" as a barrier to DD. Six focus groups were conducted, nephrologists (n = 22) and fellows (n = 18), in phase II. The highest ranked barrier to NIWD for nephrologists was "discordant opinions among patient and family"; fellows ranked "time to hold conversation" highest. Nephrologists' highest barrier to DD was the "finality of the decision (death)"; fellows ranked the "inertia of the clinical encounter" highest. Conclusions: Capturing the perspectives of nephrologists and fellows concerning the barriers to conservative management of patients with KF may inform the development of targeted education/training interventions by experience level focused on communication skills, conflict resolution, and negotiation.

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