Nephrology in the clinic and quality in nephrology.

The majority of patients with chronic kidney disease are followed-up in pre-dialysis clinics for a varying length of time, often for several years. The renal-team (physicians, nurses, dieticians, social assistants) intervenes on renal disease progression and educates the patient regarding the adjustments of his or her life-style to the limitations imposed by the disease. Pre-dialysis clinics are often overburdened and it is uncertain whether renal care should be based exclusively on renal teams, a difficult and costly option, or if it could be efficaciously organized by involving other health professionals. The Journal of Nephrology will maintain strong attention on these crucial issues for the future of nephrology.