The Role of the Pre-Dialysis Nurse in New Zealand (Report‪)‬

Introduction International literature clearly demonstrates that multi-disciplinary pre-dialysis care is effective in extending time to dialysis and improves quality of life, patient acceptance and treatment choice (Devins, et al, 2003; Devins, et al, 2005; Goovaerts, et al, 2005; Klang, et al, 1998; White, et al, 2002). The literature also shows that pre-dialysis education is effective in reducing the requirement to start dialysis urgently, and for improving patient and clinical outcomes (Curtis, et al, 2005; Devins, et al, 2003; Devins, et al, 2005; Goovaerts, et al, 2005; White, et al, 2002). Despite this overwhelming international evidence of the effectiveness of pre-dialysis care, an "unacceptably high level of patients [are] inadequately prepared to commence dialysis" (Owen, et al, 2006, p 145).