Using Shared Decision Making to Improve Kidney Transplantation Rates

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment choice for patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD), yet only a small proportion of patients with incident ESKD are counseled about their transplant options. Often, a smaller minority of patients reach the transplant waitlist in a timely manner. Increasing the likelihood of transplantation for patients with ESKD can lead to longer survival, better quality of life, and reduced costs of care. The kidney transplant and waitlist process is a complex and multi-step process that occurs over an extended period of time. This process involves transitions of care between multiple providers and requires patients to be proactive in their medical evaluations. This study will deliver educational materials to dialysis care teams and provide quarterly, personalized informational letters to patients, with the aim of increasing shared decision-making between patients and providers by giving them the information needed to initiate conversations about kidney transplantation.