COVID-19 rapid guideline : dialysis service delivery – NG160

The recent NICE guidelines published 21st March 2020 recommend that units:

'Encourage and support shared care with patients in dialysis units and help them to carry out elements of their own care'

This is in line with standards of care for patients with Chronic Kidney disease as recommended by the Renal Association and Kidney Care UK 

If you are already doing shared care, you will know that patient participation is important both to individuals and to the team. It builds on the community spirit, by engaging patients in positive action to help both themselves and the staff working and caring for each other. In this time of crisis, it is even more important that we recognise the contributions patients can make to the team effort and worth asking for their opinions and support that will in turn help them to maintain their self-esteem and independence.

Resources that can help support you : 

• What I tell my patients about shared care - article published in the BJRM
• Videos on the basics such as hand washing - 
• Kidney care UK leaflet about shared care  - this is free to order or download from key shared care tools under Shared Care tab
• Competency handbook. (Can simply print the pages you need)

If you would like advice on shared care please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Useful links...