Abstract: TH-PO302
A Multicenter Survey in Toronto of Opinions on Driving Safety in Hemodialysis Patients
Session Information
- Dialysis: Cost, Socioeconomics, Quality of Life
October 25, 2018 | Location: Exhibit Hall, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 701 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Auguste, Bourne L.A, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Glick, Lauren Alanna, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Chan, Christopher T., Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Tennankore, Karthik K., Dalhousie University/NS Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Yuen, Darren A., University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Background
Hemodialysis patients are at an increased risk of adverse health events from operating a motor vehicle and may have their license withdrawn due to safety concerns. However, little is known about the perspectives of nephrology health care practitioners towards driving safety for hemodialysis patients and their awareness of best practice. The purpose of this study was to survey health care practitioners to identify their opinions towards driving practice and safety for hemodialysis patients.
Methods
We developed a 16-item questionnaire about driving safety using a Delphi model with input from 4 nephrologists, 2 nurse practitioners, 2 social workers and 1 nephrology fellow. The questionnaire was distributed amongst the 3 academic hemodialysis centers affiliated with the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada. All voluntary participants were healthcare professionals caring for dialysis patients. Questionnaires were emailed to participants and their responses were completed on a secure website link.
Results
The survey was distributed to 154 persons with a response rate of 39%. 52% (31) of responders were hemodialysis nurses,15% (9) were nephrologists and other responders included fellows and other allied healthcare professionals. 60% (36) of responders had greater than 10-years of experience. 88.3% of responders knew of at least one patient who drove regularly. 80% of responders never reported a patient to the provincial driving authority despite safety concerns. Responses were unchanged despite participants being presented with 3 clinical hypothetical scenarios of unstable patients that drove to hemodialysis sessions. This suggests that participiants did not recognize the safety concerns in hypothetical situations where reporting should have occurred. Participants likely did not report patients due to the lack of clear guidelines along with no current mandated reporting requirements. This was further supported by 97% of all responders agreeing that more robust driving guidelines are warranted.
Conclusion
Our preliminary results underscore the lack of clarity, consistency and knowledge with regards to driving safety in hemodialysis patients. Larger national scale surveys will further support the prevalent opinion in Toronto that more comprehensive driving guidelines for hemodialysis patients are warranted.