Dialysis modality selection is a core competency of the CNeph(C).
This was an extensive survey and the questions most relevant to physicians' dialysis modality selection are reported herein (see Additional file 1).
As nurses indicated that they preferred practical continuing education (CE) to learn about dialysis modality selection, providing them with hands-on exposure to both the CHD and home dialysis unit (i.e. rotations in other modality units or clinics) may lead to more unified attitudes about dialysis modality selection.
In late-stage CKD (Stages 4 5), the focus of care shifts from preventing disease progression to dialysis modality selection, preparation for ESRD and managing the complications of kidney disease.
Finally, we achieved a response rate of 69%, which is higher than other opinion surveys in the area of dialysis modality selection, and mitigates the potential for nonresponse bias.
The purpose of our study was to survey nurses with different areas of expertise and to identify their attitudes and perceptions towards dialysis modality selection, potential patient barriers, and modality education.
The lack of consensual medical criteria for dialysis modality selection and extra-medical features, such as healthcare facility factors, may explain differences between countries and between regions of large countries.
[ 9, 11] The means by which a pre-dialysis clinic leads to better physical and emotional QOL is likely multi-factorial, resulting from opportunities for patient education, dietary counseling, modality selection, dialysis access creation, and management of co-morbid illnesses.
In general, where access to RRT is limited, dialysis modality choice is dictated rather by actual availability of HD stations than by well-considered modality selection.
This study examines the patients' need for information and guidance in the selection of dialysis modality, and in establishing and practicing home dialysis.
