[A study of factors to be considered whether a patient to have a home dialysis service or not]

In the case of home chronic renal failure patient, there are two possible treatment options: home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). The patient's decision is much limited due to uneven distribution of dialysis services. Furthermore, it is difficult for a home elderly patient to make a decision alone because of the difficulties such as a transportation and daily life, low comprehensive ability to imagine actual dialysis life. In comparing with the introduction processes of dialysis, we investigated what it makes a tough work for home elderly patients to decide their own favorable dialysis. We thought the following points are important: (1) prevalence of HHD and PD, (2) provision of dialysis information to the patient/caregiver by visiting doctors, (3) assistance of family for a decision making of the patient and (4) a discussion about the dialysis discontinuation/withdrawal.