Facilitating communication between the diabetes and renal transplant units

Abstract

This article discusses facilitating communication between renal and diabetes centres at Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK. It aims to highlight the importance of joint management, promoting consistency in delivery of care and minimising associated risk factors for patients with chronic renal failure and diabetes mellitus. A joint team identified aims for the service incorporating short- and long-term management. The initial focus group were transplant patients with established diabetes mellitus and those who developed NODAT (new onset diabetes after transplant) post renal transplant. A nurse-led clinic commenced reviewing newly transplanted recipients on a weekly basis. Future goals incorporate devising a care pathway for transition of care from secondary to primary care. Initial feedback is positive from patients and staff, highlighting the need to identify and treat promptly and raising awareness of whom to contact for advice and support. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.