Nephrologists are experts in the care of patients with kidney disease and disorders of fluid and electrolyte metabolism. Nephrology encompasses a wide range of clinical treatments for acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, hypertension, bone and mineral metabolism, anaemia, and maintenance of kidney graft health.

Nephrologists provide clinical care to patients with kidney disease, often on a long-term basis, including the below.

Managing kidney diseases and conditions. This includes the diagnosis and ongoing management of patients with acute and chronic kidney disorders.

Providing treatment options to improve kidney function. Nephrologists manage the dialysis and other specialised extracorporeal kidney replacement therapies and transplantation.

Providing long term care to patients with kidney disease. An important component of practice in nephrology is the continuity and quality of care provided, particularly providing kidney-supportive care for patients with kidney failure.

Assessing and managing patients undergoing a kidney transplantation. Nephrologists are involved with assessing patient suitability for a transplant, including evaluation of donor kidneys and managing the patient pre- and post-transplantation.

Recognising the impact of chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease has a large psychosocial and financial impact on individuals and family groups.

Nephrologists provide leadership and person-centred care with a focus on communication and research, including the below.

  • Using a multidisciplinary team-based approach

    to the assessment, management, and care of patients. Nephrologists provide all treatment-associated care to patients in collaboration with other health professionals, including training and contribution to ongoing patient care through primary care/case management.

  • Recognising the importance of independent research

    and ongoing education and training, including skills in the development of independent research projects, to further the body of knowledge of kidney disease and its management. Nephrologists support kidney research across the full spectrum of basic science, clinical, health services, and population health research.

  • Education and advocacy for patients and other physicians

    to promote high-quality care for all people with, or at risk of, kidney disease and their families to ensure the highest professional standards in the practice of nephrology.

Last modified: Tuesday, 17 September 2024, 9:37 AM