UK Renal Registry 13th Annual Report (December 2010): Chapter 15: UK renal centre survey results 2010: RRT incidence and use of home dialysis modalities.

INTRODUCTION

RRT incidence rates and the proportion of patients using a home dialysis modality (peritoneal or home haemodialysis) varies widely between centres and persists even after area differences in age, ethnicity and social deprivation structure are taken into account. A nationwide survey was undertaken to identify possible drivers of this variation.

METHODS

A systematic literature review followed by a two-stage Delphi consensus technique was employed to identify renal centre characteristics and practice patterns that may be important in determining either RRT incidence or home modality usage.

RESULTS

All 72 (100%) of UK adult renal centres responded. Questions about staffing numbers, interface with primary care, interface with other secondary care sites, capacity within the HD programme, constituents of pre-dialysis education programmes, conservative management programmes, range of treatments available, dialysis access and training and physician attitudes to home modalities were included.

CONCLUSIONS

There was wide variation in practice patterns and centre characteristics across the UK. Overall, physician enthusiasm for home dialysis modalities was greater than the actual usage of home dialysis.