European practice database: results from Greece

The survey (EPD) took place during December 2002-January 2003 and presents renal care in Greece. A questionnaire, structured at European level and translated into Greek, was sent to all dialysis centres (114) by post. The questionnaire was returned from 74 centres (64.9%). Some important results were: low use of peritoneal dialysis (13.3%), half of PD patients over 65 years old, one ninth of patients on transplantation waiting list, isolation for HBV positive patients (less for HCV and HIV), high use of AV fistulae (71.2%), maintenance and repair of dialysis machines by company technicians, absence of renal dieticians and social workers (but availability from hospital employees) one nurse every 5.54 patients (3.72 if nurse assistants are included), disinfection between shifts carried out chemically (hot or cold) and puncturing of vascular access performed mainly by nurses and nurse assistants. Data can be used to pressurise government for more scientists in the multidisciplinary team to be hired in hospitals, develop further research topics and to develop continuous education programmes.