The delivery of renal replacement therapy in Scotland--why the geographic variation?

The incidence of patients starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) for established renal failure (ERF) in Scotland has fallen from 2005 to 2011 due to a reduction in older patients starting RRT; there are significant differences between NHS Health board areas.

To understand the apparent inequality in provision of RRT between NHS board areas in Scotland.

Retrospective population analysis of Scottish renal registry (SRR) data, population statistics and quality outcomes framework summary statistics.

The incidence of patients starting RRT for ERF in Scotland fell from 123 per million population (pmp) in 2005 to 96 pmp in 2011. The incidence of ≥75 year olds fell from 406 to 274 pmp. There are significant differences between NHS board areas when standardized for age and social deprivation. There is no relationship between the population prevalence of CKD as reported by QOF and the incidence of RRT for ERF. Those areas with high incidence rates of ≥75 year olds have higher 90-day [Spearman's rank correlation: coefficient = 0.662; P = 0.03] and 1-year [Spearman's rank correlation: coefficient = 0.776; P = 0.003] mortality rates.

The significant variation in provision of RRT for ERF between Scottish NHS Board areas is not explained by age or social deprivation. There is evidence of change in practice towards RRT for patients aged ≥75 years but variation between NHS Board areas. This disparity must be further investigated to ensure equity of access to RRT for those who will benefit from it, and to non-dialytic care for those who would not.