Abstract: SA-PO1100
Travel-Related Barriers Among Patients Receiving In-Centre Hemodialysis: A Canadian Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
Session Information
- Kidney Replacement Therapy and Care Delivery Innovations
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 801 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Fageria, Samarth, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
- Curtis, Bryan M., Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
- Pike, Pamela, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
Background
Travel for family, work, or medical reasons is an important quality-of-life consideration for patients receiving maintenance in-centre hemodialysis. However, arranging dialysis while travelling within Canada remains complex. Although guidance emphasizes advance planning and inter-facility coordination, there is limited Canadian real-world data describing patient-reported barriers and coordinator experiences related to domestic dialysis travel. This study aimed to characterize patient and dialysis coordinator experiences in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Methods
We conducted a single-centre mixed-methods pilot study at the Mount Pearl Square Dialysis Unit involving adult in-centre hemodialysis patients who had travelled or were planning domestic travel requiring dialysis. Dialysis coordinators involved in arranging travel dialysis were also surveyed. Paper-based questionnaires included structured and open-ended questions assessing logistical, financial, transportation and emotional factors. Quantitative data were summarized descriptively and qualitative responses analyzed thematically.
Results
Eight patients and two dialysis coordinators were included in preliminary analysis. Patients reported requiring substantial advance planning, ranging from several weeks to four months prior to travel. Key barriers included limited dialysis unit availability, transportation coordination, scheduling constraints, and weather-related disruptions. Despite these challenges, most patients described successful travel experiences with adequate preparation and support. Emotional stress related to receiving dialysis in unfamiliar settings was reported by some patients, though travel was generally perceived as manageable with support from family. Coordinators described travel dialysis coordination as time-intensive and dependent on inter-facility communication.
Conclusion
Domestic travel for patients receiving in-centre hemodialysis is feasible and successful when supported by early planning and coordinated inter-facility communication. While logistical barriers exist, they are navigable within current system. These findings highlight opportunities to streamline coordination and improve consistency across centres, supporting equitable access to travel dialysis while maintaining patient quality of life. Ongoing recruitment will further characterize experiences and inform future interventions.