Kidney Commute

Discover expert insights on kidney stone prevention and management in this episode featuring a physician, dietitian, pharmacist, and patient. Learn about key kidney stone risk factors and explore how dietary adjustments can reduce stone recurrence. Experts discuss fluid intake strategies, medication considerations, surgical indications, and even unconventional questions about roller coasters' impact on stone passage. Tune in for actionable advice, myth-busting discussions, and interprofessional perspectives. This episode offers CME/CE credit to eligible listeners. If you'd like to claim credit, please go to kidney.org/podcast-CE to register for this episode and complete requirements. 

Palliative care, or treatment focused on symptom management and quality of life, is an important and often overlooked aspect of care for people with kidney disease. Similarly, conservative treatment of advanced kidney disease, or medical management without dialysis or transplantation, is not well understood by patients and care providers alike. In this episode of the Kidney Commute, our interprofessional team discusses these two important aspects of kidney disease care. This episode offers CME/CE credit to eligible listeners. If you'd like to claim credit, please go to kidney.org/podcast-CE to register for this episode and complete requirements.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world, associated with high morbidity and mortality. This episode discusses how kidneys are affected by cancer and its treatment. Panelists discuss diagnosing and managing complex kidney problems, such as acute kidney injury associated with cancer and novel oncological therapies, as well as summarize drug dosing in patients with cancer. Thanks for joining us on this ride of the Kidney Commute. This episode offers CME/CE credit to eligible listeners. If you'd like to claim credit, please go to kidney.org/podcast-CE to register for this episode and complete requirements.

2025 will bring BIG changes to the dialysis world.  As of Jan 01, oral phosphorus binders will be part of the dialysis payment bundle, out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications are changing in amounts and payment models, and coverage for certain dental services is expanding, to name a few.  In this episode we will explore how these changes will likely impact patients, nephrologists, and dialysis units. Thanks for joining us on this ride of the Kidney Commute! This episode offers CME/CE credit to eligible listeners. If you'd like to claim credit, please go to kidney.org/podcast-CE to register for this episode and complete requirements. 

Patients and care team members often encounter challenges faced by individuals from different cultural backgrounds regarding access to kidney transplantation. This episode explores the impact of a culturally sensitive approach to living donation. Panelists will discuss resources to assist with approaching these conversations effectively while taking into consideration patient-specific factors such as culture, ethnicity, language and religious beliefs. Thanks for joining us on this ride of the Kidney Commute. This episode offers CME/CE credit to eligible listeners. If you'd like to claim credit, please go to kidney.org/podcast-CE to register for this episode and complete requirements. 

Do all patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) need potassium restriction? In this episode we will explore the current guidelines of potassium intake in different CKD populations. Apart from the guidelines, we will explore the potassium concentration in foods and some tips and tricks for counseling patients. After listening to this episode, you will be in a better position to talk to patients about their potassium needs. Thanks for joining us on this ride of the Kidney Commute. This episode offers CME/CE credit to eligible listeners. If you'd like to claim credit, go to kidney.org/podcast-CE to register for this episode and complete requirements. 

People with kidney disease are at an increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with kidney disease. In this episode of the Kidney Commute our interprofessional panel of experts discusses what ASCVD is, how patients can be evaluated for their ASCVD risk, and strategies for managing and reducing this risk. We cover risk calculators, pharmaceutical options, communication strategies, and areas where we can all work together to educate patients about risk. Thank you for joining us on this ride of The Kidney Commute!   Click here to claim CE Credit. 

In this episode of the Kidney Commute podcast, panelists delve into the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists in chronic kidney disease. The discussion explores the mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonists, their benefits in managing both kidney disease and related comorbidities like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and the latest evidence supporting their use. Panelists also address practical challenges faced by both patients and providers.

Home hemodialysis (HHD) is hemodialysis that is performed at home entirely by a patient or with assistance from a care partner. Solo HHD is when a person performs their own hemodialysis at home without a care partner present. Solo HHD can be challenging for patients and requires the whole care team coming together with the patient to develop an individualized approach for each patient in order to increase their likelihood of success. This episode will discuss common safety concerns and other barriers to solo HHD encountered by patients and offer some potential strategies for overcoming these.

Join our team in a discussion about diagnosis and treatment of glomerulonephritis, a common cause of kidney failure. We explore new treatment options and ways to engage patients in conversations about these options. Additionally, we unpack how to diagnose and monitor glomerulonephritis. This discussion also includes challenges faced both by patients and providers with regard to glomerulonephritis, especially for women of child-bearing age.

The management of patients living with kidney disease is evolving as the complexity of patient care evolves. Join us as we discuss the team of clinicians who are involved in the care of patients with kidney disease, including nephrologists and advanced practice providers (APPs) - advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs). This episode will review the roles of each provider type and what each brings to the team as well as the patients. It will also highlight the strengths of team-based care as well as what patients and their families can expect from an APP during clinic visits, hospitalizations, transplant workups, and on dialysis units. 

Many people start the year full of hope and ready to start anew. Join our team in a discussion about the best times to implement new goals relative to CKD. We also explore home dialysis modalities and ways to engage patients in conversations about this option. Additionally, we unpack how and when to implement exercise programs and include tips on tackling social isolation. We hope you enjoy this podcast as you continue in this new year.   

Join us for a robust discussion surrounding the ever-growing field of vitamins and supplements.  This episode dives into the indications and contraindications for people with all stages of chronic kidney disease, including those on dialysis as well as those who have had a transplant.  The panelists will also review the potential drug interactions and side effect profiles of the most commonly inquired about supplements.  Which vitamins may be appropriate and when will be included in this episode as well.     

Having a chronic illness can be difficult for anyone. Patients with Kidney disease have to restrict their diet and also balance out restrictions associated with other medical illnesses. Considering diet and fluid restrictions while planning family meals can be physically and emotionally taxing. In this episode, you will gain insight into the patient experience of planning around the holidays and professional teams knowledge in providing the best education for patients and the best holiday outcomes. Click HERE to claim CE Credit.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy impact many pregnancies and are associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and even mortality. In this episode of the kidney commute, we are joined by a maternal fetal medicine (high risk obstetrics) expert, as well as a nephrologist, pharmacist, and patient to discuss these disorders. Patients with kidney disease are at elevated risk of developing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and it is important that members of the kidney community be able to recognize and treat these conditions, as well as to know when to refer for more help.

The National Kidney Foundation is excited bring to you an important conversation about awareness, sensitivity and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. In this episode, we will discuss how the use of appropriate intake forms, use of pronouns and having open conversations can create an inclusive healthcare environment and create a shared decision making environment. Participants will receive education on what considerations should be made when exploring gender affirmation hormone therapy or surgery in their patient population. Gender-affirming hormone therapy can be taken as pills, patches, gels, or by injection.  Hormone therapy can be given alone or with preparation for gender-affirming surgery.  Want to learn more? Hop in and enjoy this episode of the Kidney Commute! Click HERE to claim CE Credit.

Transplant is the preferred modality for many people with end-stage renal disease. There are approximately 100,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant, with wait times exceeding 10 years in some regions. Join us on this ride as we discuss ways to find living donors as an alternative to a deceased donor kidney transplant. We will discuss the experience of living donors through the work up phase, the surgical phase, and throughout the emotional and physical healing phase of this life-saving gift.   Click HERE to claim CE Credit.

In this episode, we discuss the process of working towards a kidney transplant. Exploring the steps from the perspective of the patient and the different members of the healthcare team. We find out when a referral for transplant is appropriate, as well as the testing required before a patient is deemed a good candidate for a kidney transplant.

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is incredibly common in patients with kidney disease. In women, SD is classified as sexual interest/arousal disorder, orgasmic disorder, and genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder. For men, SD is classified as erectile disorder, hypoactive disorder, premature ejaculation, and delayed ejaculation. Studies have shown rates of SD as high as 92% of women with CKD and 70-85% of men, with increasing rates as kidney disease progresses. In this episode, our interdisciplinary team discusses why SD is so prevalent in patients with CKD, how it is discussed and diagnosed, some treatment options, and our thoughts on how to improve communication about this important but often neglected aspect of overall health.   Click HERE to take the pre-test, then return to claim CE Credit.   Access our resources here: “Sexuality and Kidney Disease” from NKF Website: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/sexuality Rosy App https://meetrosy.com/  

Having a chronic illness can be difficult for anyone. ESRD requires pre-planning to include 3 or more weekly dialysis sessions while traveling. Considering diet and fluid restrictions while planning family meals can be physically and emotionally taxing. In this episode, you will gain insight into the patient experience of planning around the holidays and professional teams knowledge in providing the best education for patients and the best holiday outcomes. Click HERE to take the pre-test, then return to claim to claim CE Credit.

This episode discusses depression in people on dialysis in light of the PCORI-funded ASCEND study.  Major depressive disorder is four times more common in people undergoing long-term dialysis than in the general population and is associated with greater non-adherence, higher healthcare utilization, poorer quality of life, and higher mortality. A panel discussion puts these results in perspective and discusses next steps in the treatment of depression from the vantage point of the study team.

This episode discusses transitions of care for kidney patients. This includes patients who had never had any kidney issues who present to the hospital with acute kidney injury, some of whom require dialysis - at least temporarily. It includes patients who have known chronic kidney disease who crash into dialysis, as well as outpatient chronic kidney disease patients who are transitioning to outpatient dialysis.  These transitions can be hard for patients to undertake. It is our role as healthcare providers to understand their struggle and familiarize ourselves with the perspectives of the different players in patient care, as well as of course, the patients themselves. Click HERE to claim CE Credit.

Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming. A major difficulty facing new parents is determining how best to feed their new baby, and when you have kidney disease there are additional risks and benefits regarding breastfeeding versus formula feeding. In this episode of the Kidney Commute we are joined by experts who will address some of the unique issues facing new parents with kidney disease when it comes to breastfeeding, including the most up to date recommendations and safety of various medications to the breastfeeding infant. Given the current formula shortages, this is a very pertinent conversation that many kidney patients with infants are having right now and we hope to shed light on this important issue. Click HERE to claim CE Credit.

In this episode, the interprofessional panel will discuss the various treatment modalities available to ESKD patients. The team will outline treatment options, pros and cons of treatment options for different patients, and how treatment planning can improve patient outcomes. Hear a dietitian and social worker review the dietary and psychosocial implications of different treatment modalities. Click HERE to claim CE Credit.

In this episode we discuss salt intake in the setting of chronic kidney disease. We start our discussion defining salt vs sodium and further discuss the physiology and outcomes of a high-sodium diet. We also review the guidelines and some helpful tips on implementing them. Understanding that patient challenges to a low-sodium diet might be present, we hear from our multidisciplinary panel on recommendations to overcome these problems. The episode finishes with a review, and discussion of the beneficial outcomes of successful implementation of a low-sodium diet. Click HERE to claim CE Credit.   After listening, check out episode 12 of NKF's Hot Topics in Kidney Health podcast series, How Much Sodium is Safe for Kidney Patients?

In this episode of the Kidney Commute will explore the issues that are specific to women with kidney disease who undergo kidney transplant. Our interprofessional team includes a physician, Dr. Silvi Shah, who explores topics such as family planning after transplant, the impact that transplant has on fertility, and graft monitoring during pregnancy. Amanda Trinsey, who has a kidney transplant, discusses her experiences navigating pregnancy after transplant. Lisa Coscia offers information from a nursing perspective, as well as highlights the resources available from Transplant Pregnancy Registry International. Heather Hames highlights medication changes and monitoring that are key to a successful pregnancy after transplant, and Leah Madden explains how a transplant coordinator supports a woman with her reproductive journey. Finally, Amanda Earley discusses how a social worker can round out the interdisciplinary team approach to reproductive health after kidney transplant. All members of the interprofessional kidney team can learn something new from this insightful discussion!   Click HERE to claim CE Credit.

Limited or low Health literacy impacts about 80 million Americans. It is associated with poor health outcomes and upwards of $236 billion in health care costs.  Health literacy affects everyone, and most negatively effects communities of color. It is important to realize that limited health literacy is not always associated with education level and regardless of education, everyone should be evaluated.  In this episode, you will learn how providers can influence health literacy and implement evaluation and intervention strategies in their practice settings. You will hear a patient account of the impression each individual has on improving health literacy in patients.   Click HERE to claim CE Credit.

Frailty syndrome is a multi-system impairment resulting in decreased reserve and resistance to stressors. For those living with renal disease and pursuing transplant this syndrome is measured by many transplant centers as frailty can impact post-transplant outcomes. Join us as we explore more about frailty risk factors, how it is measured, its impact, and how the multi-disciplinary team can address components leading to frailty.   Claim CE Credit HERE

Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality for patients with kidney disease, and vaccines are the cornerstone of preventing infection. Nephrologists often provide general health care to their patients so the kidney health team is well suited to address what is typically a primary practitioners area.  It's a timely topic, as we are in the midst of pandemic, however the discussion in this episode addresses vaccines beyond COVID 19.    Claim CE Credit HERE

This episode is the first in a series of three that will focus on women's health and the kidney. This discussion focuses on the importance of interprofessional team communication and implementing shared decision making, as well as using an individualized approach when it comes to understanding the preferences of women with kidney disease. Amanda, a kidney disease patient and mother of three, discusses her experience navigating her care with her health team.   Claim CE Credit HERE

This episode discusses a topic important to all kidney patients: protein intake in the diet. It's a question asked often by patients, and can be difficult to address by providers. Recommendations change based on a patient's individual health situation, and the support of the interprofessional team can make these conversations easier to approach. The panel provides a basic overview of protein, recommendations to approaching patient education on protein intake, and emphasizes the importance of the kidney health team working together to help patients navigate this tough question.   Claim CE credit HERE

This episode provides an introduction to the kidney health team through an exploration of the roles and responsibilities of key members. Panelists discuss how the team can have healthy and productive interactions, and how the kidney health team can best work collaboratively with each other and patients to help navigate patient care and achieve optimal outcomes   Claim CE credit HERE.