Integrated renal-palliative care in Germany – Results from a survey on end of life care in a non-profit provider

Palliative care-related problems in end-stage renal patients are similar to those of cancer patients. While the literature on renal palliative care is growing, real-world data on practice patterns of an integrated palliative care approach (IPCA) in Germany are lacking. An anonymous survey of end of life care (ELC; conservative treatment, dialysis withdrawal, decision making) was mailed to head physicians of adult renal centers (N = 198) including 13 structured questions and 1 open question for more detailed information on the current state of ELC. A free text analysis of the quality of established care and furth…