Patients' experiences of dialysis services: are national health strategy targets being met?
BACKGROUND
The National Health Strategy envisages a health system incorporating patient views; and providing accessible, consultant-led dialysis services with patient choice of dialysis modality, in all regions.


OBJECTIVE
To describe patients' experiences of renal services against National Health Strategy objectives.


METHODS
Telephone interviews with 192 dialysis patients from three hospitals in the Eastern region.


RESULTS
One-quarter of participants (16% of haemodialysis [HD] and 46% of peritoneal dialysis patients) lived outside the Eastern region, and travelled there because dialysis was not available locally. Two-thirds (65%) had a choice of dialysis modality. High satisfaction with interpersonal care was observed (83-98% satisfaction). Dissatisfaction with physical environment included parking (39-56%), waiting areas (62-69%), HD unit space (74%). Regarding support services, dietary services were satisfactory (92-95%), with lower satisfaction ratings for social and financial support services (62%).


CONCLUSIONS
Structural and management issues must be addressed to advance a quality agenda for renal care in Ireland.
Rundle
K
K
Health Services Research Centre, Department of Psychology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland. krundle@rcsi.ie
Keegan
O
O
McGee
H M
HM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006436:Hemodialysis Units, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007494:Ireland; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000592:standards*; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014850:Waiting Lists