Research issues in Elderly patients: gaps in knowledge and suggested directions.

Concentration of research is recommended in the following areas: Prospective studies of the appropriateness, relevance, timing and sustainability of dialysis in elderly patients Health related quality of life (HRQoL) in older patients choosing not to dialyse and in those choosing to dialyse with comparison to a matched population without renal disease Methods of communication of prognosis and factors affecting decision making Models of care - comparative studies to delineate how best to deliver renal supportive care Treatment preferences amongst indigenous patients Symptom control, focussing on those areas specific to the needs of renal patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.