Part two of renal NSF focuses on chronic disease
The second part of the National Service Framework for Renal Services, which focuses on chronic kidney disease, has been published by the Department of Health.
Andrea Devaney, renal transplant pharmacist, Oxford Transplant Centre,
Churchill Hospital, contributed to the framework’s development.
She explained that it has three broad aspects — management of chronic
kidney disease, acute renal failure and end-of-life care.
The document sets out four standards for these areas.It requires that
people at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease are identified,
assessed and their condition managed to preserve kidney function. Once
a diagnosis has been made they must receive timely investigation, treatment
and follow-up to reduce risk of progression and complications. In terms
of acute renal failure, the NSF sets out a requirement that patients
are identified promptly and that they receive appropriate care from specialised
renal teams. For patients near the end of their life there must be an
agreed palliative care plan built around their individual needs and preferences.
Ms Devaney said that although there were no specific pharmacy targets
set by the NSF, pharmacists working within multidisciplinary teams could
contribute to the care of patients with kidney disease. “In terms
of end-of-life care, pharmacists may be involved in symptom control and
will be able to advise on the appropriateness of drug dosages.”
Similarly, in acute renal failure, pharmacists would be able to provide
prescribers with dosage information relating to renal replacement therapies.
She added that, by setting standards, the NSF would raise awareness of
kidney disease and would contribute to improved prevention and early
detection of the disease. “This will be primary care led. Pharmacists
involved in medicines review and those taking drug histories may be able
to pick up early signs of kidney disease. If progression of kidney disease
can be slowed, this will be a positive step for local health economies.”
Part one of the NSF for Renal Services was published in January last
year (PJ, 24 January 2004, p75),
along with a guide to renal specific medicines management, which was
published in March 2004. All of these
documents, including the new second part to the renal NSF, are available
on the Department of Health’s website |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
Acrobat
Reader