Caring Beyond Treatment: The Vital Role of Empathy in Chronic Kidney Disease Management

March is National Kidney Month, a time when communities across the country raise awareness about kidney disease. It’s also a perfect time to reflect on family and loved ones who are currently or may have battled this disease. Just over two years ago, I lost my mother due to complications related to chronic kidney disease. My mother was a fighter, she battled and survived lung cancer and breast cancer, however, it was complications related to her kidney disease and diabetes that eventually took her life. As I was preparing to write this post, I painfully reflected about how I treated my mother during this very difficult period of her life. As a nurse, I am embarrassed to say that I did not do a very good job in showing her empathy. Instead, I was angry with her, I was upset that she allowed her body to get to this stage. What truly was going on with me was that I was unable to control her and her decisions. As children, we hear our parents give us advice on everything we should and should not do, however, we quickly learn as an adult child, that our parents are just like we were as kids, human. We resist change, and often it is due to fear of losing control, or fear of the unknown that potentially awaits us.

Empathy in Managing Chronic Kidney Disease: A Vital Component of Chronic Care Management (CCM)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a chronic care condition that affects around 33.5 million people worldwide. It can be physically draining, emotionally exhausting, and socially isolating. For those living with CKD, the journey involves numerous medical appointments, lifestyle changes, dietary restrictions, and, in severe cases, dialysis or transplantation. However, beyond the medical treatments, one critical element in effectively managing CKD is empathy. Whether it comes from healthcare providers, caregivers, family members, or friends, empathy can make a significant difference in a patient’s well-being.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It goes beyond sympathy, which merely acknowledges another's hardships, by actively engaging in their emotional experience. For CKD patients, empathy means recognizing their struggles, validating their emotions, and offering support in a way that enhances their quality of life.

The Role of Empathy in Healthcare

Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in CKD management, and an empathetic approach can enhance patient outcomes. Studies have shown that patients who feel heard and understood by their doctors are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, trust medical advice, and experience lower levels of stress. Simple gestures—such as active listening, addressing concerns with compassion, and providing clear and encouraging communication—can greatly impact a patient’s emotional resilience.

Family and Caregiver Support in CKD Management

Caregivers and family members provide essential emotional and physical support for CKD patients. Managing CKD often means making lifestyle adjustments, such as dietary modifications, medication adherence, and attending frequent medical check-ups. These changes can be overwhelming and exhausting, but when caregivers approach the situation with empathy, they create an environment where the patient feels understood and less alone. Instead of merely instructing a CKD patient on what to do, a more effective approach is to engage in the journey with them—planning meals together, accompanying them to appointments, and acknowledging their frustrations and fears.

Empathy in Everyday Interactions

Even small acts of empathy from friends and family can make a meaningful difference in a CKD patient’s life. When friends and family make an effort to show understanding vs. being judgmental when a patient declines participating in social events, or even brief social visits, it fosters a sense support. When friends and family recognize the need for understanding related to numerous medical appointments, lifestyle changes, and fluctuating endurance and energy levels, demonstrating empathy can help reduce fear, stress and can enhance a patient’s overall well-being.

Practical Ways to Show Empathy

• Active Listening – Allow CKD patients to express their concerns without judgment. Sometimes, they just need a supportive ear.
• Educate Yourself – Learn about CKD to better understand the challenges they face.
• Offer Assistance – Help with transportation to appointments, meal preparation, or simply check in on their well-being.
• Be Patient – CKD can cause fatigue, brain fog, and emotional ups and downs. Recognize that their energy levels may fluctuate.
• Encourage Without Pressure – Support their efforts to stay healthy without making them feel guilty about setbacks.

Empathy is not just a kind sentiment—it is a powerful tool that improves the overall experience of those living with CKD. By fostering understanding, support, and kindness, we can create an environment where CKD patients feel empowered and cared for. Whether you are a healthcare provider, caregiver, family member, friend, or colleague, your empathy can be the bridge that helps someone navigate the challenges of CKD with dignity and hope. I saved a voicemail from my mother that was from just a few days before she passed. I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time, however when I listen to her voice now, I hear her fear, loud and clear. I only wish I had done a better job of showing more empathy towards my mother when that is what she needed most.