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Increasing Rates of Kidney Failure Care in Canada Strains Demand for Kidney Donors
Michael Terner1, Noura Redding2, Juliana Wu3
1Program lead for the CORR at CIHI. He has previously worked as a medical writer in the clinical research industry and as a researcher at several federal government agencies.
Abstract:
The number of patients with kidney failure is on the rise in Canada, leading to a higher need for dialysis treatment and greater demand for kidney transplants, which have superior patient outcomes and lower healthcare system costs than dialysis treatments. This study examines the incidence and prevalence of kidney failure and renal replacement therapies between 2005 and 2014. The number of patients on dialysis has increased by 31% over this decade. The number of annual kidney transplants performed has also increased along with the waiting list for a kidney transplant, resulting in a persistent 2.5 times gap between patients on a waiting list for a kidney and the number of kidney transplants performed. New programs to increase organ donation to kidney failure patients have led to improvements, but have not been able to close this gap. Continued innovations are needed to preserve kidney function for patients with chronic kidney disease and to promote and increase donation rates in Canada to improve the quality of life and survival of thousands of patients, as well as save hundreds of millions of dollars to healthcare systems in Canada.
Insights
Kidney failure is increasing in Canada, straining dialysis services and transplant waitlists. Despite efforts, a significant gap persists between patients needing kidney transplants and available organs, highlighting the need for more organ donors.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Rising incidence and prevalence of kidney failure in Canada.
- Increasing demand for renal replacement therapies, including dialysis and kidney transplantation.
- Kidney transplants offer better patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs compared to dialysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine kidney failure incidence and prevalence in Canada from 2005 to 2014.
- To analyze trends in renal replacement therapies during the study period.
- To identify the gap between kidney transplant demand and supply.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of national data on kidney failure and renal replacement therapies.
- Examination of trends in dialysis patient numbers and kidney transplant procedures.
- Assessment of kidney transplant waiting list dynamics.
Main Results:
- A 31% increase in the number of patients on dialysis between 2005 and 2014.
- An increase in annual kidney transplants performed, but the waiting list grew disproportionately.
- A persistent 2.5-fold gap between patients awaiting kidney transplants and the number of transplants performed.
- Organ donation initiatives showed some improvement but did not close the demand-supply gap.
Conclusions:
- Continued innovations are crucial for preserving kidney function in chronic kidney disease patients.
- Increased organ donation rates are essential to improve patient survival and quality of life.
- Addressing the organ shortage can lead to significant healthcare cost savings in Canada.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
01:16Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care