The following is a summary of “Structures for quality assurance and measurements for kidney replacement therapies: A multinational study from the ISN-GKHA,” published in the October 2024 issue of Nephrology by Ekrikpo et al.
Optimal care for kidney failure reduces risks of adverse outcomes. Data from the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) evaluated quality service delivery capacity across regions.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study using data from the third iteration of the ISN-GKHA to assess global kidney failure care.
They explored kidney failure care quality and monitoring of quality indicators using data from an international survey. The survey, conducted from July to September 2022, involved stakeholders from countries affiliated with the ISN.
The results showed that 167 countries participated, representing 97.4% of the global population. In countries with hemodialysis (HD) services, 81% (n = 134) provided standard HD sessions. Among countries with peritoneal dialysis (PD), 61% (n = 101) offered standard PD care. In high-income countries, 98% (n = 62) regularly monitored dialysis water quality, compared to 28% (n = 5) in low-income countries (LICs). Monitoring of immunosuppression drugs was available in 21% (n = 4) of LICs and 90% (n = 57) of high-income countries. Significant variability was found between regions and income groups in the quality of kidney replacement therapies.
Investigators found variable quality assurance standards with infrequent implementation in LICs. Standardizing care was essential for improving kidney failure outcomes.
Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nep.14402
