Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO974

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Barriers to Kidney Transplant Evaluation among Hemodialysis Patients

Session Information

• Live Donor Outcomes and Kidney Transplantation in Pediatric and Ethnic/Racial Groups
  November 02, 2017 | Location: Hall H, Morial Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Category: Transplantation

• 1702 Transplantation: Clinical and Translational

Authors

• Jones, Derek R, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado, United States

Derek R Jones,

• You, Zhiying, UC Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States

Zhiying You,

• Kendrick, Jessica B., University of Colorado Denver and Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, United States

Jessica B. Kendrick,

Background

Only a small percentage of patients with end stage renal disease receive a transplant and this is particularly the case for racial/ethnic minorities. Our objective was to identify barriers to transplant evaluation in our dialysis centers.

Methods

We conducted a survey of adult hemodialysis patients in the Denver Metro area. Participants completed an 11-item survey with demographic information and questions regarding time on dialysis, if a provider ever spoke to them about a transplant and whether they had been evaluated for a transplant. Reasons for not having an evaluation were explored. Descriptive statistics were used to provide summaries of the responses.

Results

167 patients completed the survey (response rate 63.9%). The majority of participants were male between the ages of 50-79 years and were Hispanic (49%) or Non-Hispanic Black (31.7%). 140 patients (84.0%) reported having a discussion about kidney transplantation with their doctor but only 53% (N=89) reported having a transplant evaluation. Fewer Non-Hispanic Blacks reported having a transplant evaluation than Non-Hispanic whites or Hispanics (43.4% vs. 57.7% (Whites) and 59.7% (Hispanics)) which trended towards statistical significance, p=0.07. The most frequent responses of the patients who had not been evaluated were: not referred by their provider (46%), did not know how to proceed (43.4%) or did not understand the benefits (39.5%) or transplant process (38.2%). Additionally, compared to Non-Hispanic whites, Blacks and Hispanics reported less understanding of the benefits and/or process of transplant.

Conclusion

Improved patient-provider communication and kidney transplantation education may reduce disparities in access to kidney transplantation.

Funding

• NIDDK Support