Dialysis Patient Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Study

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Public Health
• Patient Experience

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered healthcare delivery for patients with kidney failure requiring dialysis.
• Understanding patient perspectives on care continuity and health impacts during the pandemic is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient care experiences and perceived changes in health among individuals receiving dialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify factors influencing patient experiences and potential vulnerabilities during the public health crisis.

Main Methods:

• Verbal surveys with Likert scale and open-ended questions administered to 172 adult dialysis patients.
• Quantitative descriptive statistics for multiple-choice responses and thematic analysis for qualitative data.

Main Results:

• Most patients reported stable dialysis care experiences and feeling connected to care teams.
• Significant impacts were noted in non-dialysis aspects of life (transportation, medications, groceries), affecting mental and physical health.
• Key themes included valuing care consistency, dependability, personal staff connections, and the importance of external social support.

Conclusions:

• Dialysis care perceptions remained largely unchanged for most patients early in the pandemic.
• External life disruptions significantly affected patient well-being, highlighting the need for comprehensive support.
• Vulnerable subpopulations, including non-White patients, those with mental health conditions, and in-center hemodialysis patients, may require targeted interventions.