Australian nephrology nurses views on home dialysis: A national survey

Background Home dialysis has the potential for signifi cant clinical, psychosocial and economic advantages for the patient and the health system. There is regional variation in the uptake of home dialysis in Australia, suggesting further scope for the expansion of these modalities. Methods Between 1 April and 5 August 2009, Australian senior nephrology nurses were invited to complete an online or hard copy survey. Thirty-four questions were asked regarding responders’ experience, adequacy of facilities and support structures, attitudes to the use of home dialysis and issues impeding the increased uptake of home dialysis. Results Completed surveys were received and analysed from 262 respondents. There was strong support from nephrology nurses for the expansion of home dialysis therapies. The most commonly reported impediments to increased utilisation of home dialysis were: the perception that home haemodialysis patients suffer personal fi nancial disadvantage due to out-of-pocket costs associated with dialysing at home, and an observed lack of physical infrastructure to provide the staffi ng and resources required to expand home dialysis programs. Nephrology nurses also identifi ed educational, cultural and organisational impediments that are preventing the growth of home dialysis. Other areas of concern for home dialysis programs included limited access to mental health services and respite care for people dialysing at home, and a lack of support from medical administration, area health services and the federal government. Conclusion This survey identifi ed support amongst Australian nephrology nurses for the expansion of home dialysis across Australia, and highlighted barriers to accessing these therapies.