Multidisciplinary Dietary and Nutritional Treatment in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: Merita’s Experience and Her Story
This publication presents a multidisciplinary experience of dietary and nutritional treatment in advanced chronic kidney disease through the clinical journey and personal narrative of Merita, a patient who followed a low-protein diet for several years and subsequently a very-low-protein diet supplemented with ketoanalogues.
The volume reconstructs the patient’s nephrological and nutritional journey, illustrating the role of dietary therapy in the conservative management of advanced chronic kidney disease and the importance of collaboration among nephrologists, physicians, dietitians and nurses. The clinical experience is integrated with a narrative interview aimed at exploring the personal, relational and healthcare-related factors that supported adherence to a particularly demanding dietary regimen.
Particular attention is given to the therapeutic relationship, counselling skills and narrative medicine as tools for personalizing care and enhancing the patient’s active role. Merita’s experience highlights how clinical expertise, nutritional support, communication and a multidisciplinary approach can contribute to chronic disease management and to the development of an effective therapeutic alliance.