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INCREASING THE UPTAKE OF PERITONEAL DIALYSIS IN NEW ZEALAND: A NATIONAL SURVEY
Author(s) -
Walker Rachael Claire,
Marshall Mark Roger
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of renal care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.381
H-Index - 27
eISSN - 1755-6686
pISSN - 1755-6678
DOI - 10.1002/jorc.12043
Subject(s) - medicine , peritoneal dialysis , intensive care medicine
SUMMARY Background Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been shown to offer a high quality of life and independence to patients. New Zealand (NZ) is a world leader in home dialysis, yet over the last decade, rates of PD have been steadily decreasing for unknown reasons. Objectives This paper reports on the findings of a national survey which explored the clinicians' perspectives on key factors that influence the rate of PD. Design Ten multi‐answer questions were asked of several groups of dialysis health professionals to assess factors that are barriers and enablers to PD, including patient choice of dialysis modality, information about PD and pre‐dialysis education delivery. All NZ nephrologists, pre‐dialysis and PD nurses were invited to complete an anonymous online survey. Responses were analysed to identify perceived barriers and enablers influencing the rate of PD uptake amongst incident dialysis patients. Results Completed surveys were received from 52% of nephrologists, 100% of pre‐dialysis nurses and 50% of PD nurses in NZ. In NZ, patients are offered a choice of dialysis modality with pre‐dialysis nurses delivering the majority of education. The most frequently identified barriers to uptake of PD were lack of information about PD, established misconceptions about PD and late referrals to dialysis. Important enablers were early and frequent pre‐dialysis education. The only two factors which were reported as very important contraindications to PD were dexterity and decreased cognitive function. Conclusion Early and frequent pre‐dialysis education encourages patients to choose PD and enables early identification and resolution of barriers to the uptake of PD.