Abstract: SA-PO477
Patient and Care Partner Perspectives on Challenges of Home Dialysis and Interventions to Prevent Dropout
Session Information
- Home Dialysis - 2
October 26, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 802 Dialysis: Home Dialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors
- Tse, Christina E., Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, United States
- Anwaar, Ayesha, Satellite Healthcare, San Jose, California, United States
- Hussein, Wael F., Satellite Healthcare, San Jose, California, United States
- Manera, Karine E., The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Scholes-Robertson, Nicole Jane, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Shen, Jenny I., Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, United States
Background
High rates of transition from home dialysis to in-center hemodialysis (ICHD) place a strain on patients and healthcare systems. We explored patients’ and care partners’ difficulties with home dialysis and their recommendations to prevent transitioning to ICHD.
Methods
Participants were patients and their care partners who had transitioned from home dialysis to ICHD or were at high-risk for transitioning. Focus groups were conducted via ZOOM Aug 2021-Jan 2022 and analyzed thematically. Participants ranked their top 3 preferred interventions to reduce transitions using nominal group technique.
Results
There were 29 participants: 16 had transitioned (11 patients, 5 care partners) and 13 were on home dialysis (7 patients, 6 partners). They were aged 30-75, 48% female, 45% white, and were on home dialysis <1 to 5 years. 78% had care partners; 45% were employed. Challenges of home dialysis included management of comorbidities, machine issues, prep and dialysis time, storage needs, isolation, dependency on dialysis, and fear of making an error. The top ranked interventions to prevent transitions were in-home assistance, family involvement in modality education, and peer support programs.
Conclusion
Participants identified challenges with home dialysis and expressed the need for further support and education from providers and peers for both patients and their families.
Interventions to prevent transition to ICHD, as ranked by participants
| Intervention | Total Ranking Score |
| In-home assistance | 35.5 |
| Family involvement in modality education | 23 |
| Peer support program | 20 |
| Early & continuous education about life on home dialysis | 15.5 |
| Respite care | 13.5 |
| Prolonged training or re-training | 13 |
| Dialysis prescription change (cycler, fewer hours) | 13 |
Participant reported challenges and interventions