The Patient's Perspective: Does It Align with Dialysis Adequacy?

KEY POINTS

This study showed variation in satisfaction and quality of life between three dialysis centers, suggesting local factors influence outcomes. One center linked better dialysis to less satisfaction, but fully grasping satisfaction differences between sites warrants additional study.

BACKGROUND

The concept of patient-centered care puts the individual's health needs and desired health outcomes as the driving forces behind medical decision making and quality assessment in the health care system. Patients with ESKD treated by hemodialysis require frequent encounters with the dialysis facility to survive. Therefore, their satisfaction with care and perceived patient experience are important aspects that might affect their adherence to the care regimen. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction and its association with perceived patient experience and objective clinical quality parameters, across three hemodialysis clinics.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study analyzed the data of 126 patients with ESKD receiving chronic hemodialysis over 9 months in three different care facilities. Sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, treatment details, and dialysis adequacy (measures as STDKt/V) were collected. Perceived quality of care, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Patients differed significantly between sites by age, diabetes status, and biochemical parameters. Satisfaction scores varied significantly for 12/14 survey questions and at the site-level, with site 2 scoring the highest. Overall satisfaction did not correlate with Kt/V. At site 1, a moderate negative correlation was found between satisfaction and Kt/V. Kt/V correlated positively with age but inversely with satisfaction. Hospitalization rates were similar regardless of satisfaction. Mortality trended lower in the highest Kt/V quartile.

CONCLUSIONS

Achieving clinical quality while optimizing patient satisfaction requires multifactorial approaches tailored to the unique population of the hemodialysis facility. Further research is needed to fully understand factors influencing satisfaction and perceived quality.