A handbook for self-management of chronic kidney disease

For people who have recently been informed that they have reduced kidney function related to the early stages of chronic kidney disease.

Now only available online - note: this handbook is due for review this year.

In this handbook you will find information about the normal functioning of your kidneys, about the first signs indicating that they may not be working properly, and about what you can do to try and prevent further development of your kidney disease.

Free downloads of the health record sheets from this handbook are available from links below - marked to match relevant Chapter number.

Call our Kidney Health Information Service: 1800 4 KIDNEY - 1800 4 543639 or email KHIS@kidney.org.au if you have any questions.

BECOME AN EXPERT PATIENT

Many patients become 'experts' as they have to learn a set of life skills to cope with and manage their life. Many GPs who care for people with chronic conditions say patients understand their condition better than they do. Increasing evidence shows that with proper support people with a chronic condition can take the lead in managing their health. This improves their quality of life, their overall mental and physical health and reduces incapacity.

An expert patient is a person who:

• feels confident and in control of their life
• aims to manage their condition and its treatment in partnership with health care professionals
• communicates effectively with health professionals and wish to share responsibility on treatment choices
• makes the best use of resources available to them
• sources and finds evidence-based education resources to educate themselves on their condition
• are realistic about the impact of their disease on themselves and their family
• use their skills and knowledge to lead full lives