The role of the nephrology social worker in optimizing treatment outcomes for end‐stage renal disease patients

Abstract

This article reviews the relationship between psychosocial interventions and treatment effectiveness in the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patient population. Four predominant psychosocial risk factors that serve as predictors of morbidity and mortality in this population are identified. The effectiveness of the educational preparation of the nephrology social worker is also reviewed. Dial. Transplant. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.