Palliative care competencies in nephrology

: a scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: The medical profession increasingly recognizes the growing need to educate nonpalliative physicians in palliative care. Political and opinion leaders are becoming moreand more aware of the urgent and growing need to educate non palliative physicians inpalliative care. Objective: The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the information availablein the literature on the topic of palliative care (PC) competencies for nephrologists, usingwell-defined and transparent methods to search, summarize, and interpret the relevant bodyof literature, following a systematic review approach. Methods: The scoping review is based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology.The search was conducted in December 2019 using publications in national and international databases and Gray Literature in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Results: From a total of 4668 publications, 168 were eligible for the review based on the title and abstract. A full-text review of those 168 publications led to the selection of 26 articles, which met the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria and therefore were included in the study. The competencies identified as necessary to deliver high-quality PC in the several nephrology settings are: communication skills (21,7%); end-of-life care(18,4%); pain and other kidney symptom control (17,3%); advance care planning (17,3%);ethical and legal issues in dialysis decision-making (13,4%); ability to apply psychosocial and spiritual support to patients and families (6,3%) and also an holistic approach including psychological, social, spiritual, religious and existential aspects of care (5,6%). The percentage refers to the number of publications where each topic is addressed. Conclusions: Implementing an integrated model of care, featuring both PC and curative treatments, puts high demands on nephrologists to acquire PC competencies. Palliative care education should be introduced in the trainee curricula of nephrology

Date of Award	6 Oct 2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Manuel Luís Capelas (Supervisor)