ASN's Mission

To create a world without kidney diseases, the ASN Alliance for Kidney Health elevates care by educating and informing, driving breakthroughs and innovation, and advocating for policies that create transformative changes in kidney medicine throughout the world.

learn more

Contact ASN

1401 H St, NW, Ste 900, Washington, DC 20005

email@asn-online.org

202-640-4660

The Latest on X

Kidney Week

Please note that you are viewing an archived section from 2019 and some content may be unavailable. To unlock all content for 2019, please visit the archives.

Abstract: SA-PO029

Effect of Renal Replacement Therapy Options Education Class on Patient Outcomes

Session Information

  • Educational Research
    November 09, 2019 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
    Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Educational Research

  • 800 Educational Research

Authors

  • Pravoverov, Leonid, Kaiser Permanente, Walnut Creek, California, United States
  • Zheng, Sijie, The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California, United States
Background

Transition from CKD into ESRD is a traumatic and often uncoordinated process. Many patients “crash landing” into hemodialysis with a central venous catheter. Structured CKD care can better prepare patients for transition to ESRD. Yet, it has not been systematically implemented nationally due to fragmented care outside of integrated health care systems, lack of patient awareness or engagement regarding CKD issues. Kaiser Permanente East Bay Nephrology Group implemented patient education program delivered by renal RN’s to provide patients and family education on RRT modalities with the goal of providing smoother transition into ESRD.

Methods

KP East Bay implemented a standardized RRT option class for patients with CKD stage 4 and 5. It was highly recommended to be completed when a patient’s eGFR reaches 20ml/min or below. It was taught by a renal nurse. The class last average 1-2 hours. It was attended by a patient and family members. The nurse discussed different type of RRT options, including: conservative management without dialysis (CMWD), kidney transplant, in-center hemodialysis (HD) and home dialysis (PD and HHD).

Results

Since the initiation of new Options Class in 2016, 460 patients have attended it. The average creatinine at the time of referral was 3.58 mg/dl and average eGFR was 18.71 ml/min. After the option class, 43.3% patients chose home therapy: 37.3% chose PD and 5.4% chose HHD. 26.5% chose ICHD, 3% chose CMWD. 31% remained undecided on their care plan after attending option class. As of 2019, 86 (11.7%) patients who attended Options education initiated dialysis. Among them 53.2% on home dialysis (50% with PD; 2.3% with HHD); 47.6% with ICHD, 2.3% received a pre-emptive transplant. 29% expired before dialysis initiation and 59.3% remained dialysis independent.

Conclusion

A structured RRT option class resulted in a smoother transition into RRT with higher percentage of patients chose home modality. Further work needs to be done to improve targeted interventions to guide patients who have difficulties to formulate decision or ESKD Life Plan. Comparison of characteristics of patients who attended the classes versus those who did not, as well as details of outcomes of patients remaining with CKD and those who died before reaching RRT need to be studies to confirm and quantitate benefits of this educational program.