Abstract: FR-PO532
Barriers to Peritoneal Dialysis in Saskatchewan Canada: Results from a Province-Wide Survey
Session Information
- Peritoneal Dialysis: Modality, Catheter, Infections
November 08, 2019 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 703 Dialysis: Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors
- Diebel, Lucas, College Of Medicine, University of Saskatchewn, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Day, Christine, Regina General Hospital, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Shah, Sachin, St Pauls Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Jafari, Maryam, RQHR- Research and Performance Support, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Prasad, Bhanu, Regina General Hospital, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Background
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers similar clinical outcomes to hemodialysis (HD) at a fraction of the cost. PD remains underutilized as remote HD patients in Saskatchewan often relocate or travel hundreds of kilometers weekly in order to receive dialysis related care. The purpose of this study was to determine the barriers to receiving PD in our province.
Methods
We conducted a cross sectional survey of in center HD patients across the province of Saskatchewan. 740 in center HD patients at two academic sites and 7 satellite units were approached by study coordinators. 421 patients (n=268 in the main units and n=153 in the satellite units) agreed to participate in the study. A questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale was created to identify barriers to PD with questions addressing PD awareness and knowledge, accessibility, and risks/fears/beliefs surrounding PD. Responses were anonymous and tabulated using a data collection tool.
Results
Only 82% of patients were aware of PD as a treatment option. 35% of patients felt they had no understanding of the benefits or risks of PD. Prominent barriers to PD that we identified were: excellent care in the HD unit (62%), proximity to dialysis unit (41%), unwilling to dialyze daily (36%), and unwilling to learn a new technique (34%). Beliefs held by patients that figured prominently in their decision to choose HD over PD included not wanting to take their disease home (32%), fear of being a burden on family (32%), lack of space (28%), risk of infection, issues with self-image while on PD, and PD being an inferior modality to HD (all approximately 24%).
Conclusion
In this study, we identified patient specific barriers to PD in a prevalent cohort of HD patients. Several barriers were identified with a few consistent themes being identified, including deficiencies in knowledge, patient specific beliefs and poor patient education. The most frequently reported knowledge barrier was a lack of understanding of benefits and risks of PD. While the study does not reflect the views of all patients, the information gained will be valuable in designing an educational program to improve adoption of PD within our province.