Psychology - Clinical Psychology in Renal Services

What is a clinical psychologist?

Psychology is the study of why people behave, think and feel as they do. Psychologists use their knowledge of psychology to help patients to cope or feel better. Some psychologists work in health settings such as hospitals, helping people to manage the emotional aspects of physical illness.

Clinical psychologists are members of the British Psychological Society (BPS). This means that they work to high standards and follow professional guidelines. Unlike medical doctors, they do not prescribe medication or use other physical treatments, instead they use practical problem-solving techniques as well as counselling and more formal psychotherapy.

How might a clinical psychologist help in renal services?

We recognise that kidney disease can have a major impact on people’s lives, and it can be hard to deal with at times. For example, it can be difficult to accept a diagnosis and adjust to the lifestyle changes that may be required. It can also be difficult to adjust to the treatment regime and to undergo medical procedures which may make you feel anxious or upset.
Sometimes other problems, not directly related to your kidney disease, may affect how you deal with it (e.g. other stress factors, long-term anxiety, or mood problems).

People can become depressed, anxious, or angry about what is happening to them, and feelings of distress can lead people to feel overwhelmed at times. It can be useful to work through these issues with someone experienced in dealing with psychological and emotional difficulties.

What will happen if I am referred?

A referral to the psychologist should be discussed with you beforehand and you should agree with the referral before it is made. When you first see the psychologist, it will be for an informal discussion (usually 45-60 minutes).

You will be asked about how you are coping, about background details and you may be asked to complete a short questionnaire which you will be supported in doing. What happens next is a joint decision between you and the psychologist. If you are coping well, then the decision may be to leave it without making any further appointments at that time.

If it seems that you do need further psychological help, you will be offered the opportunity to meet for a series of sessions to work on your problems. You may be seen as an outpatient, while you are at the hospital for dialysis or on a hospital ward if you are an inpatient.

Will my information be confidential?

The psychologist may want to share some of the things that are discussed with other members of the renal team as it can help them to understand more about you. However, if there is anything that you want to remain confidential, this will be respected wherever possible, subject to the need to consider the safety of yourself and others. The psychologist will take notes during or after the sessions which are kept separate from your medical records and are stored securely and confidentially.  Letters to your doctors will be filed with your medical records.

Sources of further information:

Website: www.kidneypatientguide.org.uk
Website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Website: www.patient.co.uk

If you would like to discuss your referral to a clinical psychologist further, please contact:
Department of Clinical Health Psychology
Telephone: 0161 206 5588
Email: psychology.referrals@nca.nhs.uk