Abstract: SA-PO297
The Safety of Driving Among Patients With ESRD on Hemodialysis: How to Stop Burying Our Head in the Sand and Start Saving Patients
Session Information
- Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis: Potpourri
November 05, 2022 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Orange County Convention Center‚ West Building
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 701 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Alsuwaida, Abdulkareem, King Saud University, Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
- Ankawi, Ghada, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Alsuwaida, Anas Abdulkareem, King Saud University, Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
- Shehadah, Ali Emad, King Saud University, Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
- Alzahrani, Mohammed T., King Saud University, Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
Background
Human error is the main cause of car accidents and whether specific cognitive impairments related to dialysis session and/or comorbid medical conditions increase the risk of car accidents is still unclarified. Our objective is to explore patient’s perceptions and experiences in driving to the dialysis unit.
Methods
A cross sectional questionnaire survey done in two university hospitals in Saudi Arabia. All adults’ patients on in center hemodialysis more than 3 months were included in the study.
Results
Data were collected from 88 adults (39.7% women) enrolled in the Study. Among participants 46.6% were diabetic, 73.9% with hypertension and 25.0% with coronary artery disease. Forty eight patients stopped driving after starting dialysis. The most frequent cause for stop driving were fatigability, blurred vision and dizziness. Thirteen patients noted significant impact of dialysis session on their capacity to drive post treatment. Twenty participants continued to drive with 4 patients (25%) sustained a road traffic accidents since starting dialysis.
Conclusion
Most of dialysis patients felt continuing driving after starting dialysis was unsafe and stopped driving. Those continue to drive were likely they could not afford public transportation or do not want to burden their family. However, driving is not without its dangers. Those continued to drive are at higher risk of road traffic accidents. Creating a safe transportation program is critical for patients on in-center hemodialysis as part of comprehensive care to patients with end stage renal disease. Otherwise, bigger studies are needed to develop screening programs for patients on dialysis to periodically assess suitability to drive.
Funding
- Government Support – Non-U.S.