This toolkit supports shared decision-making when people need to make treatment choices for kidney failure. Patients, carers and clinicians can use it to guide their discussions.
Start these conversations early to allow time to understand options and plan care. Treatment decisions can become more complex as kidney function declines.
Use this toolkit to:
- understand chronic kidney disease
- explore options
- support informed, person‑centred choices.
Each decision should reflect the patient’s goals, preferences and clinical advice from their care team.
Care for Aboriginal people considering treatment choices should always be culturally safe. This includes how you engage with families, carers and community; and integrate care with Aboriginal health services to strengthen the Aboriginal workforce and deliver culturally appropriate care.
Chronic kidney disease
Guidance for general practitioners and patients on the early detection of chronic kidney disease.
Choosing a treatment option
Overview of kidney failure treatment options and shared decision making.
Conservative kidney management
Goals of care, symptom control, shared decision making, and key discussion points for doctors, patients and carers.
Dialysis
This section provides a summary of peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis, outlining usage in the home environment or within a facility.
Kidney transplant
A description of kidney transplant, including the different types of transplant and resources for patients, their families and potential donors.
Support options
A summary of general, financial, and mental health support options for people with kidney failure, and their care partners.