Quality of care in patients with chronic kidney disease is determined by hospital specific factors.
BACKGROUND
Guidelines have set goals for risk factor management in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. These goals are often not met. In this analysis, we set out to assess the quality of risk factor management in CKD and to identify factors that determine the quality of care (QoC). For that purpose, baseline data of the MASTERPLAN (Multifactorial Approach and Superior Treatment Efficacy in Renal Patients with the Aid of Nurse practitioners) study have been used. MASTERPLAN is a multicentre study which evaluates the effect of a multifactorial intervention in prevalent CKD patients on cardiovascular (CV) events and progression of kidney failure.


METHODS
QoC was quantified using a score based on the number of 11 defined treatment goals on target. The maximum score per patient was 11.


RESULTS
The average (±SD) QoC score was 6.7 (±1.5). The average score per centre ranged from 5.9 to 6.9. In a multivariable analysis, centre proved to be a significant, independent determinant of QoC with a difference up to 0.7 between centres. This difference remained when adjustments were made for those risk factors primarily treated by pharmacotherapy. Other factors that were significantly related to the QoC were estimated glomerular filtration rate, Caucasian race, diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy as cause of kidney disease and previous kidney transplantation.


CONCLUSIONS
In CKD patients, risk factors for progression of kidney failure and CV events were inadequately controlled. Treatment centre proved to be an important determinant of QoC. This data may point towards the physician's interest and preference as important determinants of QoC. This is a potentially modifiable determinant of the quality of patient care [Trial registration ISRCTN registry: 73187232 (http://isrctn.org)].
van Zuilen
Arjan D
AD
Department of Nephrology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. a.vanzuilen@umcutrecht.nl
Blankestijn
Peter J
PJ
van Buren
Marjolijn
M
ten Dam
Marc A G J
MA
Kaasjager
Karin A H
KA
Ligtenberg
Gerry
G
Sijpkens
Yvo W J
YW
Sluiter
Henk E
HE
van de Ven
Peter J G
PJ
Vervoort
Gerald
G
Vleming
Louis-Jean
LJ
Bots
Michiel L
ML
Wetzels
Jack F M
JF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors