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Satisfaction of patients on chronic haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
Jean-Blaise Wasserfallen1, Micheline Moinat, Georges Halabi
1University Hospital Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland. jwasserf@chuv.hospvd.ch
Insights
Patient satisfaction with peritoneal dialysis (PD) was higher than with chronic haemodialysis (HD). More information on complications and treatment effects can improve patient satisfaction in dialysis care.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Patient Care
Background:
- Patient satisfaction in chronic dialysis is understudied compared to quality of life.
- Chronic haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) are common renal replacement therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient satisfaction between chronic HD and PD.
- To identify factors influencing patient satisfaction in dialysis.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study surveyed 455 HD and 50 PD patients across 19 centers in western Switzerland.
- Patients completed questionnaires on treatment, information received, and center characteristics.
- Direct comparison of satisfaction was performed in 9 centers offering both HD and PD.
Main Results:
- PD patients reported significantly higher satisfaction in 50% of assessed areas, including session tolerance and information on complications.
- Lowest satisfaction scores were related to information on dialysis complications, costs, and impact on sexuality.
- Satisfaction decreased when questionnaires were completed anonymously.
Conclusions:
- Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients generally express greater satisfaction with their treatment compared to haemodialysis (HD) patients.
- Enhancing patient information, particularly regarding adverse effects and complications, can significantly improve overall satisfaction with dialysis therapies.
Background:
In contrast to quality of life, patient satisfaction on chronic haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) has only rarely been studied.
Patients And Methods:
All chronic HD and PD patients of the 19 centres located in western Switzerland were asked to complete a specific questionnaire, assessing dialysis centre characteristics, treatment modalities, and information received before and during dialysis treatment. Comparison between satisfaction with PD and HD was carried out on the patients in the nine centres offering both treatment modalities.
Results:
Of the 558 questionnaires distributed to chronic HD patients, 455 were returned (response rate 82%). Fifty of 64 PD patients (78%) returned the questionnaire. The two groups were similar in age, gender, and duration of dialysis treatment. Completion rates were >90% for a majority of questions, with the lowest rate for information on sexuality (49% in HD and 54% in PD respectively). The lowest scores were recorded for information received about complications and costs of dialysis, and impact of end-stage kidney disease on sexuality. Satisfaction was lower in anonymous questionnaires. Satisfaction of PD patients was significantly better in 50% of the questions, particularly session tolerance (p<0.001), information about dialysis sessions (p=0.007), and complications (p=0.006).
Conclusions:
PD patients were on average more satisfied with their treatment than HD patients. Satisfaction could be improved with more information about potential adverse treatment effects.
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