慢性腎病專科護理師之角色功能與未來展望

The Role, Function and Future Perspectives of CKD Nurse Practitioner

慢性腎臟疾病長居國人十大死因之一，而台灣尿毒症的盛行率，更是位居世界第一。兩者嚴重威脅國人健康，耗費大量醫療支出。早期的預防、控制與治療是慢性腎臟疾病預後的最佳指標，更需藉由全方位的醫療團隊照護，以延緩疾病病程。身兼實務、諮詢、教育、研究與領導的慢性腎病專科護理師，是提升慢性腎病疾病照護品質不可或缺的角色。慢性腎病專科護理師在疾病病程中擔任早期轉介、早期介入、早期治療的角色功能，藉由有效評估、早期轉介、監測評值治療成效、提升病患遵從性，提供病患及家屬教育、諮商，增進臨床護理人員的實務照護能力，並結合學術研究與臨床實務庭應用。而慢性腎病專科護理師的角色在目前台灣醫療現況中，尚須要多方面的配合與發展。未來更期望藉由健保、法律、公會團體、醫療機構等體系的配合，促使慢性腎病專科護理師的功能更健全蓬勃的發展。

In Taiwan, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is one of the top ten causes of death. Taiwan also has one of the highest rates of uremia in the world. Both CKD and uremia represent a threat to public health and result in heavy medical expenditure. Early prevention, control and treatment offer the best CKD prognosis. Nephrology nurse practitioners involved in clinical practice, consultation, education and research are indispensable for promoting the quality of kidney diseases care. Nephrology nurse practitioners play a significant role of early referral, early intervention and early treatment of the disease. The quality of patient care is enhanced by providing education and advice combined with the application of academic research and clinical practice. The role of nephrology nurse practitioners however requires further teamwork and development. In the near future, the function of nephrology nurse practitioners may see further development with the support of health insurance system, nongovernment organizations and healthcare institutions.