Effect of recombinant erythropoietin on hospital admissions, readmissions, length of stay, and costs of dialysis patients

Hospitalization patterns in HD patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A comprehensive cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The rate of hospitalization represents a morbidity indicator in HD patients. The study aimed to evaluate hospitalization patterns in a large HD cohort.

METHODS

All DaVita-KSA HD patients from October 2014 to December 2019 were included. Demographical and clinical characteristics and hospitalization data were recorded. Less than 24 h admission was excluded. Overall and cause-specific hospitalization rates were calculated.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, 3982 patients with a mean age of 52.5 ± 16.8 years, 2667 hospitalizations were recorded in 34.1% of the patients and 45.6% had repeated admissions. Infectious causes accounted for 26.6% of all recorded causes vs. 15.6% for cardiovascular complications. The median hospital stay length was 11 days, while the overall annual hospitalization rate of 34.9% and the annual duration of 3.7 days per patient. Hospitalized patients had a higher risk of mortality (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Infectious complications were the leading cause of hospitalization and had the longest hospital stay.

Oral nutritional supplements and 30-day readmission rate in hypoalbuminemic maintenance hemodialysis patients

INTRODUCTION

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are hospitalized nearly twice yearly, and 35% of these patients are rehospitalized within 30-days postdischarge. We hypothesized that monitored oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) during HD treatment may decrease readmissions.

METHODS

A cohort of maintenance HD patients, treated at a large dialysis organization, who were hospitalized with a postdischarge albumin of ≤3.5 g/dL, without documented ONS use 90 days prior to the index hospitalization were identified. Individuals who received monitored intradialytic ONS postdischarge were compared to those without receipt of ONS. The outcome of interest was 30-day hospital readmissions. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between ONS receipt and 30-day readmission events, with adjustment for case-mix and laboratory variables.

FINDINGS

Of 5479 eligible patients, ONS was prescribed to 1420 individuals. Mean age was 64.6 ± 14.1 (SD) years; median dialysis vintage was 3.9 years. There were 274 (19%) readmissions among ONS recipients vs. 1571 (38.7%) among controls during the 30-day follow-up period. Individuals who did not receive ONS had increased odds of readmission [OR 2.26 (95% CI 1.02, 2.53)] in 30 days, as compared to those who did receive ONS postdischarge. In sensitivity analyses using a propensity score matched cohort, the odds ratio of readmissions within 30 days postdischarge was 1.71 (95% CI: 1.42, 2.07) for individuals who did not receive ONS as compared to those who received ONS.

DISCUSSION

Consumption of ONS during HD sessions is associated with reduced hospital readmission rates among in-center maintenance HD with severe hypoalbuminemia at 30 days post-hospital discharge.

Potentially Avoidable Readmissions in United States Hemodialysis Patients

Introduction

Patients with end-stage kidney disease have a high risk of 30-day readmission to hospital. These readmissions are financially costly to health care systems and are associated with poor health-related quality of life. The objective of this study was to describe and analyze the frequency, causes, and predictors of 30-day potentially avoidable readmission to hospital in patients on hemodialysis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the US Renal Data System data from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2008. A total of 107,940 prevalent United States hemodialysis patients with 248,680 index hospital discharges were assessed for the main outcome of 30-day potentially avoidable readmission, as identified by a computerized algorithm.

Results

Of 83,209 30-day readmissions, 59,045 (70.1%) resulted in a 30-day potentially avoidable readmission. The geographic distribution of 30-day potentially avoidable readmission in the United States varied by state. Characteristics associated with 30-day potentially avoidable readmission included the following: younger age, shorter time on hemodialysis, at least 3 or more hospitalizations in preceding 12 months, black race, unemployed status, treatment at a for-profit facility, longer length of index hospital stay, and index hospitalizations that involved a surgical procedure. The 5-, 15-, and 30-day potentially avoidable readmission cumulative incidences were 6.0%, 15.1%, and 25.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with end-stage kidney disease on maintenance hemodialysis are at high risk for 30-day readmission to hospital, with nearly three-quarters (70.1%) of all 30-day readmissions being potentially avoidable. Research is warranted to develop cost-effective and transferrable interventions that improve care transitions from hospital to outpatient hemodialysis facility and reduce readmission risk for this vulnerable population.

Predictors of 30-Day Hospital Readmission among Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Hospital's Perspective

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Over 35% of patients on maintenance dialysis are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of hospital discharge. Outpatient dialysis facilities often assume responsibility for readmission prevention. Hospital care and discharge practices may increase readmission risk. We undertook this study to elucidate risk factors identifiable from hospital-derived data for 30-day readmission among patients on hemodialysis.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Data were taken from patients on maintenance hemodialysis discharged from University of North Carolina Hospitals between May of 2008 and June of 2013 who received in-patient hemodialysis during their index hospitalizations. Multivariable logistic regression models with 30-day readmission as the dependent outcome were used to identify readmission risk factors. Models considered variables available at hospital admission and discharge separately.

RESULTS

Among 349 patients, 112 (32.1%) had a 30-day hospital readmission. The discharge (versus admission) model was more predictive of 30-day readmission. In the discharge model, malignancy comorbid condition (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.04 to 3.11), three or more hospitalizations in the prior year (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.64), ≥10 outpatient medications at hospital admission (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.00 to 2.88), catheter vascular access (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.01 to 3.65), outpatient dialysis at a nonuniversity-affiliated dialysis facility (OR, 3.59; 95% CI, 2.03 to 6.36), intradialytic hypotension (OR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.45 to 6.61), weekend discharge day (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.01 to 3.31), and serum albumin <3.3 g/dl (OR, 4.28; 95% CI, 2.37 to 7.73) were associated with higher readmission odds. A decrease in prescribed medications from admission to discharge (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.51) was associated with lower readmission odds. Findings were robust across different model-building approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Models containing discharge day data had greater predictive capacity of 30-day readmission than admission models. Identified modifiable readmission risk factors suggest that improved medication education and improved transitions from hospital to community may potentially reduce readmissions. Studies evaluating targeted transition programs among patients on dialysis are needed.

Reducing hospital readmissions in patients with end-stage kidney disease

ESKD patients have a large burden of disease, with high rates of readmission to hospital compared with the general population. A readmission after an acute index hospital discharge is either planned or unplanned. A proportion of unplanned readmissions are potentially avoidable, and could have been prevented with optimized transitional care. Readmissions pose financial cost to the health care system and emotional cost to patients and caregivers. In other chronic diseases with high readmission risk, such as congestive heart failure, interventions have improved transitional care and reduced readmission risk. In reviewing the existing literature on readmissions in ESKD, the definition and risk of readmission varied widely by study, with many potentially associated factors including comorbid diseases such as anemia and hypoalbuminemia. An ESKD patient's requisite follow-up in the outpatient dialysis facility provides an opportunity to improve transitional care at the time of discharge. Despite this, our review of existing literature found no studies which have tested interventions to reduce the risk of readmission in ESKD patients. We propose a framework to define the determinants of avoidable readmission in ESKD, and use this framework to define a research agenda. Avoidable readmissions in ESKD patients is a topic prime for in-depth study, given the high-risk nature in this patient population, financial and societal costs, and potential for risk modification through targeted interventions.

Impact on health-related quality of life in kidney transplant recipients with late posttransplant anemia administered darbepoetin alfa: results from the STRATA study

Posttransplant anemia (PTA) is a common, multifactorial condition that has a substantial negative impact on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Erythropoietin-stimulating agents are an effective treatment for PTA, but there is little research on HRQOL in posttransplant patients. This multicenter, prospective study enrolled adults with PTA (hemoglobin [Hb] < 11.0 g/dL). Subjects (n = 66) received subcutaneous darbepoetin alfa every 2 weeks for 24 weeks. Hb and patient-reported outcomes using the Short Form (SF)-36 questionnaire were assessed. Mean (standard deviation) Hb concentration increased from 9.9 (1.2) g/dL at baseline to 11.7 (1.3) g/dL during the evaluation period (14 to 24 weeks). At baseline, SF-36 scores in all the eight domains were lower (worse) compared with the general population and patients with other chronic conditions. In subjects with baseline Hb < 10 g/dL, SF-36 subscales and component summary scores were lower than in subjects with Hb ≥ 10 g/dL. Following treatment with darbepoetin alfa, statistically significant improvements were observed for all subjects in physical component summary (0.5 points, P < .001), physical functioning (11.8 points, P = .001), limitations due to physical health (26.5 points, P < .001), bodily pain (7.7 points, P = .01), limitations due to emotional health (15.7 points, P = .01), and vitality (12.8 points, P < .001) from baseline to week 24. Clinically significant improvements (>5 points) were observed in six subscales: physical functioning, limitations due to physical health, limitations due to emotional health, bodily pain, social functioning, and vitality. Darbepoetin alfa in kidney transplant recipients with PTA significantly increased Hb concentrations and improved HRQOL scores.

Associations of anemia persistency with medical expenditures in Medicare ESRD patients on dialysis

Most end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients begin renal replacement therapy with hemoglobin levels below the recommended US National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative Guidelines lower level of 110 g/L. Although most patients eventually reach this target, the time required varies substantially. This study aimed to determine whether length of time with below-target hemoglobin levels after dialysis initiation is associated with medical costs, and if so, whether intermediate factors underlie the associations. US patients initiating dialysis in 2002 were studied using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ESRD database. Anemia persistence (time in months with hemoglobin below 110 g/L) was determined in a six-month entry period, and outcomes were assessed in the subsequent six-month follow-up period. The structural equation modeling technique was used to evaluate associations between persistent anemia and medical costs and to determine intermediate factors for these associations. The study included 28,985 patients. Mean per-patient-per-month medical cost was $6267 (standard deviation $5713) in the six-month follow-up period. Each additional month with hemoglobin below 110 g/L was associated with an 8.9% increment in medical cost. The increased cost was associated with increased erythropoietin use and blood transfusions, and increased rates of hospitalization and vascular access procedures in the follow-up period.

The role of anemia management in improving outcomes for African-Americans with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious threat to African-American public health. In this population CKD progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) at quadruple the rate in Caucasians. Factors fueling progression to ESRD include diabetes and hypertension, which show high prevalences and accelerated renal damage in African- Americans, as well as possible nutritional, socioeconomic, and genetic factors. Anemia, a common and deleterious complication of CKD, is more prevalent and severe in African-American than Caucasian patients at each stage of the disease. Proactive management of diabetes, hypertension, anemia, and other complications throughout the course of CKD can prevent or delay disease progression and alleviate the burden of ESRD for the African-American community. Currently, African-Americans with CKD are less likely than Caucasian patients to receive anemia treatment before and after the onset of dialysis. Although African-Americans often require higher doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, this may result from late treatment initiation, lower hemoglobin levels, or the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes and inflammation, although racial differences in response cannot be excluded. This review explores racial-specific challenges and potential solutions in renal anemia management to improve outcomes in African-American patients.

Clinical outcomes associated with conversion from epoetin alfa to darbepoetin alfa in hospitalized hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hemodialysis patients are often hospitalized, during which time they require continuity of care in the inpatient setting. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes associated with a conversion algorithm from outpatient epoetin alfa to inpatient darbepoetin alfa in hospitalized hemodialysis patients at the St. Elizabeth Health Center.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of hemodialysis patient hospital admissions after a therapeutic interchange from epoetin alfa to darbepoetin alfa was implemented at St. Elizabeth Health Center. Chronic hemodialysis patients admitted from December 2002 to October 2003 were identified as part of a therapeutic interchange cohort receiving inpatient darbepoetin alfa after conversion from outpatient epoetin alfa according to the Aranesp package insert during their hospitalization. After discharge, these patients were returned to their preadmission outpatient epoetin alfa dosages and frequencies. Patients admitted prior to implementation of the therapeutic interchange (January 2002 to April 2002) received epoetin alfa during hospitalization and served as a historical control. Hemoglobin values were recorded prior to hospital admission, at the time of discharge, and 30 days after discharge.

RESULTS

Mean hemoglobin levels declined from preadmission to discharge, in both the interchange and historical cohorts (6.6 and 2.5%, respectively) and rebounded at 30 days after discharge. Using a linear regression model, the only variables significantly associated with the hemoglobin level at discharge were the hemoglobin level before admission and receipt of a blood transfusion.

CONCLUSION

An algorithm-based conversion from outpatient epoetin alfa to inpatient darbepoetin alfa for hospitalized chronic hemodialysis patients utilizing the dose conversion table specified in the Aranesp package insert is associated with hemoglobin outcomes similar to inpatient epoetin alfa.

Iron indices: what do they really mean?

Routine monitoring of body iron stores is an essential component of overall management for the patient on hemodialysis. Adequate iron levels are important for the prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia, which is associated with reduced physical functioning, cardiovascular disease, and poor quality of life. Hemodialysis patients are at especially high risk for iron-deficiency anemia, owing to continuous blood losses and supraphysiologic levels of erythropoiesis driven by recombinant human erythropoietin therapy. Unfortunately, the accurate determination of iron status in these patients can be a challenging task, which is made more difficult by inflammation, infections, and the large number of comorbid conditions that can affect commonly used indices of body iron stores. Despite their limitations, transferrin saturation (TSAT) and serum ferritin remain the cornerstones of iron status assessment. Because these values can be altered by a number of non-iron-related factors, it is necessary to go beyond these measures and draw upon additional sources of information to determine the patient's iron status. Other important factors to consider when assessing the need for iron therapy include evidence of underlying inflammatory processes that may block iron mobilization and distort the standard iron indices, the results of alternative iron indices, and the patient's recent history of iron administration. Frequently, the response to a gram of intravenous (i.v.) iron is a safe and effective way to determine the role of iron deficiency in the anemia of the problematic patient. The chronic inflammatory state associated with malnutrition and clinical or subclinical infections substantially increases the risk of misdiagnosing the patient with iron overload and may place the patient at risk of iron deficiency owing to inappropriate withdrawal of i.v. iron therapy. To avoid the risks of withholding iron therapy, the nephrologist must keep this relationship in mind whenever serum ferritin testing suggests replete iron stores, whereas TSAT testing suggests insufficient iron availability.

The morbidity and cost implications of hemodialysis clinical performance measures

Clinical performance measures, including dialysis dose, hemoglobin, albumin, and vascular access, are the focus of monitoring and quality improvement activities. However, little is known about the implications of clinical performance measures for hospital utilization and health care costs. We obtained clinical performance measures and hospitalization records for a national random sample of 10,650 hemodialysis patients and analyzed the relationship between changes in clinical performance measures and hospital utilization after adjustment for patient demographic and medical characteristics. Higher hemoglobin, higher albumin, and fistula or graft use were independently associated with fewer hospitalizations, fewer hospital days, and decreased Medicare inpatient reimbursement. For example, a 0.5 g/dL higher hemoglobin, a 0.25 g/dL higher albumin, fistula use, and graft use were associated with hospitalization rate ratios of 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.85, 0.96), 0.64 (0.53, 0.77), 0.60 (0.52, 0.69), and 0.79 (0.71, 0.89), respectively. Moreover, there was a 2-3-fold variation in hospital utilization across end-stage renal disease networks that was still evident after adjustment for patient characteristics and clinical performance measures. Clinical performance measures, especially albumin and vascular access, are strongly associated with hospital utilization and health care costs. These results highlight the importance of targeting nutrition and vascular access in quality improvement efforts. The marked variation in hospital utilization across networks deserves further examination.

Congestive Heart Failure in Chronic Kidney Disease: Disease-specific Mechanisms of Systolic and Diastolic Heart Failure and Management

There is a high burden of cardiac disease in the CKD population. Severe LVH, dilated cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease occur frequently and result in the manifestations of CHF,which is probably more important with respect to prognosis than symptomatic. Multiple risk factors for CVD include traditional risk factors and those unique to the CKD population. Furthermore, the distinctive aspects of CKD patients sometimes warrant special consideration in making management decisions. Nonetheless, interventions such as controlling hypertension, specific pharmacologic options, lifestyle modification, anemia management, and early nephrology referral are recommended when appropriate.

Multiple risk factor intervention in chronic kidney disease: management of cardiac disease in chronic kidney disease patients

This article describes the relationship between CVD and CKD, the current state of knowledge regarding medical interventions, and underscores the importance of attending to both CVD and kidney disease aspects in each individual. The burden of cardiac disease in CKD patients is high with severe LVH, dilated cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease occurring frequently. This predisposes to congestive heart failure, angina, myocardial infarction, and death. Multiple risk factors for cardiac disease exist and include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, anemia, abnormal calcium and phosphate metabolism, inflammation, and LVH. The efficacy of risk factor intervention has not been established in these populations, although there is good evidence for good blood pressure control, partial correction of anemia, treatment of dyslipidemia, cessation of tobacco use, correction of divalent abnormalities, and aspirin us. Appropriate use of ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and statins should be encouraged.

Impact of epoetin alfa on clinical end points in patients with chronic renal failure: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Numerous randomized, controlled trials have demonstrated that recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, epoetin alfa) significantly raises hemoglobin levels, reduces transfusion requirements, and improves quality of life in anemic patients with chronic renal failure. However, this accumulation of data has yet to be systematically examined. The objectives of this meta-analysis were to quantify the effects of epoetin alfa on clinical efficacy, quality of life, hospitalizations, and transfusions by collecting and analyzing the published body of evidence.

METHODS

Sixteen published studies fulfilled all inclusion criteria and were subjected to data extraction. Data specifically related to hemoglobin and/or hematocrit levels, quality-of-life measurements, number and length of hospitalizations, and number of blood transfusions were then pooled across studies using a random effects meta-analysis. Simple combined estimates of the preselected variables were calculated, and adjusted estimates were made using meta-regression.

RESULTS

Baseline hemoglobin levels (<8 g/dL) increased substantially (40% to 50%) after epoetin alfa administration to a nonanemic state (Hb >11 g/dL) for the pooled study group. Substantial improvements (10% to 70%) were observed for all measures of quality of life. In addition, patients who received epoetin alfa had substantial reductions in hospitalization rate, hospital length of stay, transfusion rate, and number of units transfused.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis strongly suggests that epoetin alfa therapy for patients with chronic renal failure provides important clinical and quality-of-life benefits while substantially reducing hospitalizations and transfusions.

Safety in iron management

Intravenous (IV) iron therapy has become an integral part of hemodialysis management during the past several decades, and the National Kidney Foundation-Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines recognize that most patients undergoing hemodialysis will require IV iron therapy on a regular basis to reach target hemoglobin (Hgb) levels. There now are three IV iron compounds available in the United States: iron dextran, sodium ferric gluconate, and iron sucrose. Although all have been proven effective for increasing Hgb/hematocrit levels, recent data show differences in their relative safety profiles. During the past two decades, more than 30 deaths have been attributed to the use of IV iron dextran. The two newer compounds available in the United States, sodium ferric gluconate and iron sucrose, have more favorable safety profiles, with the largest prospective safety comparison to date showing sodium ferric gluconate to be similar to placebo in the incidence of serious anaphylactoid-type reactions. This article reviews safety data surrounding the IV iron therapies.

Applying multiple interventions in chronic kidney disease

The medical, social, and financial burdens posed by end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are many and growing rapidly. People generally reach ESRD as a result of chronic progressive kidney disease. Advancing kidney disease is associated with several treatable complications, which if poorly managed reduce the length and quality of life. In addition, there are strong links between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Many people with less advanced CKD will die or suffer complications of CVD before reaching ESRD. Efficacious interventions, such as lowering blood pressure and treating dyslipidemia, can substantially reduce the progression of both kidney and cardiovascular disease. Careful management of these complex and interrelated diseases and risk factors requires detailed longitudinal and focused care which does not seem to be optimally delivered by health service practitioners organized in traditional ways. A disease management approach offers promise in this setting, but requires further study of clinical and economic impact.

Anemia: an early complication of chronic renal insufficiency

The strong association between anemia and cardiovascular complications among patients with end-stage renal disease suggests that anemia during chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) may also have important consequences. We performed a retrospective cohort study to identify factors associated with severe anemia (hematocrit [Hct] < 30%) and examine anemia management practices in CRI. The CRI cohort was composed of 604 adult patients with elevated serum creatinine levels. There was a direct correlation between predicted glomerular filtration rate and Hct (r = 0.49) and an inverse correlation between serum creatinine level and Hct (r = -0.37). Anemia was noted early in CRI; 45% of patients with serum creatinine levels of 2 mg/dL or less had an Hct less than 36%, and 8% had an Hct less than 30%. During the course of the study, mean Hct decreased from 35.1% +/- 5.6% to 31.8% +/- 5.6%. Iron studies were obtained in only 19% of patients, and among these, the prevalence of iron deficiency (transferrin saturation < 20%) was 54%. Only 30% and 26% of patients were administered recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and iron, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that diabetes as the cause of renal disease, greater serum creatinine level, and having a single nephrology visit were associated with greater odds for the presence of anemia. A lower Hct and having a single nephrology visit were associated with greater odds for rHuEPO use. These results show that anemia begins early in the course of CRI, and management of anemia is suboptimal, even among patients under the care of nephrologists. Educational programs to optimize anemia management among patients with CRI are needed.

Hematocrit levels and associated Medicare expenditures

Clinical studies and the National Kidney Foundation-Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines suggest that a target hematocrit of 33% to less than 36% is appropriate for patient benefit. Previous studies have shown an association of lower risks for death and hospitalization when hematocrits were 33% to less than 36%. In this study, we assessed the relationship between hematocrit value and associated Medicare expenditures, analyzing incident Medicare hemodialysis patients from January 1, 1991, through June 30, 1995. All patients survived at least 90 days to normalize eligibility and an additional 6-month entry period to assess comorbidity and hematocrit values. All patients were followed up from July 1, 1991, through December 31, 1996. We assessed the association between hematocrit values in the 6-month entry period and the Medicare-allowable Part A and Part B per-member-per-month (PMPM) expenditures in the follow-up period, controlling for other variables, including patient demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and severity of disease. We found that hematocrits of 33% to less than 36% and 36% and higher were associated with lower Medicare-allowable payments in the follow-up period. Compared with reference patients with hematocrits of 30% to less than 33%, the Medicare-allowable PMPM expenditures were significantly greater for patients with hematocrits less than 27% and 27% to less than 30% (12. 7% and 5.3%, respectively), and the Medicare-allowable PMPMs were significantly less for patients with hematocrits of 33% to less than 36% and 36% and higher (6.0% and 8.2%, respectively). Although these findings suggest that the treatment of anemia may be associated with significant savings in total patient Medicare expenditures, caution should be considered because these findings are associations and should not be deemed as showing causality.

Patient's view of dialysis care: development of a taxonomy and rating of importance of different aspects of care. CHOICE study. Choices for Healthy Outcomes in Caring for ESRD

Quality assessment efforts to enhance public accountability in dialysis care and to support provider efforts to improve care have lacked patient input. To develop brief patient evaluation or satisfaction surveys suitable for busy clinical settings, knowing patients' priorities can be helpful in deciding which aspects of care should be tracked. We conducted a study to identify salient attributes of dialysis care and to rank the importance of these attributes from the perspective of dialysis patients. We analyzed the content of patient focus group transcripts to characterize dialysis care from the patients' perspective. We then surveyed 86 patients to determine how patients would rank the importance of each aspect to quality of dialysis care. The 18 broad aspects of care identified in the focus group included: (1) care provided by nephrologists, (2) care provided by other physicians (nonnephrologists), (3) care provided by dialysis center nurses, (4) care provided by social workers and psychologists, (5) care provided by dieticians, (6) clergy, (7) care provided by technicians and physician assistants/nurse practitioners, (8) care provided by dialysis center staff in general, (9) supplies, (10) treatment choice and effectiveness, (11) patient education and training, (12) self-care, (13) dialysis machines, (14) unit environment and policies, (15) cost containment, (16) billing, (17) cost of care, and (18) health outcomes. Items ranked in the top 10 by both groups of patients included issues related to nephrologists, other doctors, nurses, and patient education and training. Compared with hemodialysis patients, peritoneal dialysis patients gave higher ratings to hospital doctors' and nurses' attention to cleanliness when working with access sites, how correct the nephrologist's instructions to patients are, whether emergency room doctors check with nephrologists, the amount of information patients get about their diet, and how well nurses answer patients' questions. Patients value certain aspects of dialysis care highly, and these aspects differed in some respects for the relatively small number of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients studied. Construction of brief questionnaires for quality assessment and assurance requires thoughtful consideration of what questions to include. Knowing patients' priorities regarding the most important aspects of care that have high potential for dissatisfaction may be helpful to continuous quality improvement of end-stage renal disease care.

The outcomes of ESRD and its treatment

In recent years, the notion that studying outcomes is a distinct form of clinical research has gained currency. This article offers a conceptual framework for thinking about outcomes research in end-stage renal disease and examines one issue in detail. Although the meaning of the term "outcome" is often assumed, it is currently used in two ways. In the broader sense, outcomes are the results of health care. These may include survival and the presence or absence of symptoms and clinical signs of disease. As it has recently been used in the medical literature, however, the term outcomes frequently connotes outcomes with respect to patient function and experience. Patient experience comprises functional status, general well-being, and satisfaction with care. The principle that the outcomes of end-stage renal disease should be studied has been established. A substantial body of knowledge has accumulated regarding characteristics of the patient population, of the treatments administered, and of the consequences with respect to survival. Whether the investigation and practice of renal replacement therapy should encompass the measurement of patient experience has been a subject of controversy. Reasons to perform such measurements are enumerated, and countervailing arguments are examined critically. The technological prerequisites for success in the widespread measurement of patient experience are set forth.