Journal of nephrology
-
Journal of nephrology · Oct 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyThe extent of informed decision-making about starting dialysis: does patients' age matter?
A growing number of elderly patients with end-stage renal disease start dialysis. We examined elderly (≥65 years) patients' views about their decision-making experience after starting dialysis in comparison with patients aged 50-64 years, and patients ≤49 years. ⋯ Informed decision-making is significantly poorer in patients aged 65 years or older than in younger patients. Clinicians should communicate clearly about the benefits and burdens of dialysis to older adults and provide an opportunity for them to understand the significant trade-offs that dialysis may require.