Patient Experience of Hemodialysis in a Nephrology Hospital in Vietnam

Assessing patient experiences is essential for evaluating hospital quality.

This study aimed to describe the experiences of hemodialysis patients at Hanoi Nephrology Hospital in 2023 and identify several factors related to patient experience.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among 401 patients at the Hemodialysis department of the Hanoi Nephrology Hospital. The study utilized a structured questionnaire titled "In-Center Hemodialysis Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (ICH CAHPS)" to conduct face-to-face interviews with the selected patients. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify several factors associated with patient experiences.

Overall, patients reported positive experiences, particularly in their interactions with nephrologists. The highest satisfaction (78%) was for updates on treatment information from other doctors. Positive experiences were more likely to be reported by patients aged 55-64 years (versus. ≥75 years), having health insurance or other insurance (versus. No insurance), and having middle education (versus. Lower education). Living 15-30 km from a dialysis center and being a business traders increased satisfaction.

This study emphasized the necessity of improving communication and patient education in hemodialysis care, specifically concerning treatment options. It recommended targeted interventions and additional research to enhance the patient experience and the quality of care in Vietnam's hemodialysis centers.