Tsampalieros A, Knoll GA, Fergusson N, Bennett A, Taljaard M, Fergusson D. Center Variation and the Effect of Center and Provider Characteristics on Clinical Outcomes in Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review of the Evidence.
Can J Kidney Health Dis 2017;
4:2054358117735523. [PMID:
29270300 PMCID:
PMC5731624 DOI:
10.1177/2054358117735523]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Kidney transplantation is the best treatment option for patients with end-stage renal disease. While patient-level factors affecting survival are established, the presence of variation in the management of transplant recipients remains unknown.
Objective
The objective of this study was to examine center variation in kidney transplantation and identify center and provider characteristics that may be associated with clinical outcomes.
Design
This is a systematic review.
Data sources
Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library from inception to June 2016 were used.
Study eligibility
Any study examining the association between center or provider characteristics and graft or patient survival, quality of life, or functional status were included.
Results
We identified 6327 records and 24 studies met eligibility. Most studies used data registries. Characteristics evaluated include center volume (n = 17), provider volume (n = 2), provider experience (n = 1), center type (n = 2), and location of follow-up (n = 1). Outcomes assessed included graft survival (n = 24) and patient survival (n = 9). Significant center variation was described in 12 of 15 and 5 of 7 studies for graft and patient survival. There was a significant and positive association between center volume and graft and patient survival in 8 and 2 studies, respectively. Provider experience and volume were significantly associated with less allograft loss and provider volume with lower risk of death. There was no association between graft survival and location of follow-up or center type.
Limitations
There was substantial heterogeneity in the variables assessed and methodology used to analyze associations.
Conclusion
This systematic review found center variation in kidney transplantation. Future studies in the current era are necessary to better evaluate this important topic.
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