[Perspective of General Practitioners on Management of Non-dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease - a Qualitative Study].

BACKGROUND

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a common diagnosis in older age due to age dependent kidney function decline, as well as an increase in causative diseases like diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension. The condition knows a long asymptomatic phase in the early stages, and only a small part of the patient will progress to end stage renal disease requiring renal replacement therapy. Patients with CKD are generally managed by General Practitioners (GPs).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the perspectives of German GPs on management of patients with non-dialysis CKD.

METHODS

There were 5 focus group discussions with a maximum of 5 GPs (n = 22). The material was recorded and transcribed to be analyzed by content analysis.

RESULTS

The most important treatment measures at the CKD were the optimization of causative diseases, medication adjustment and referral for nephrologist consultation. GPs stressed the individual management of their CKD patients.

CONCLUSION

GPs reported that their decisions about CKD management were based on Individual patient factors such as high age or multimorbidity.