An overview of chronic kidney disease management and CAPD in the home.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common, harmful, but treatable long term condition. An overview of CKD is provided in this article. Kidney Research UK, www.kidneyresearchuk.org a national charity dedicated to research, has developed the A Better Life through Education and empowerment (ABLE) programme which seeks to research and raise awareness o the issues among 'at risk' groups as well as among relevant health professionals. Part Two of the renal NSF suggests many actions that can be taken in primary care to prevent CKD. In the event of Established Renal Failure (ERF), there are a number of treatment options available including continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), described here. Kidney Research UK's Patient DVD module two (complimentary copy attached to this issue) provides more detail using case studies. The DVD offers practical help, support and guidance on how to overcome some of the challenges.