Shukla AM, et al. - This study assessed the impact of a comprehensive predialysis education (CPE) program on the home dialysis (HoD) therapies. Choice and prevalence of HoD therapies improved as a result of receiving comprehensive patient education. Also, it was observed that 3 sessions of CPE may offer needed resources for the large majority of subjects for adequate decision-making.

Methods

• Researchers retrospectively assessed the efficacy of a CPE program in the early period after its establishment, with reference to its effect on the choice and growth of a small HoD program.

Results

• A total of 108 patients were enrolled in the CPE clinic over the initial 22 months since its inception.
• HoD was chosen by 70% of patients receiving CPE, of which 55% chose peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 15% chose home hemodialysis (HHD).
• Researchers found that across the spectrum of socio-economic variables, rates of HoD choice were similar.
• They also noted that, of just over half (54.6%) of those choosing to return for more than 1 session, 25.3%, changed their modality preference after the first education session, and nearly all reached a final modality selection by the end of the third visit.
• Additionally, data reported that initiation of the CPE program resulted in a 216% growth in HoD census over the same period and resulted in near doubling of HoD prevalence to 38% of all dialysis patients.