The DOPPS is a prospective cohort study of hemodialysis practices based on the collection of observational longitudinal data for a random sample of patients from a representative and random sample of units in 12 countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Data collection for the study has been on-going since 1996 and has yielded detailed data on more than 38,000 patients in over 900 dialysis facilities.

DOPPS investigations focus on determining which dialysis practices are associated with the best patient outcomes, with the primary goal of improving patient longevity, quality of life, and other outcomes. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications in print or in press, the DOPPS continues to provide numerous important findings that are relevant for patients and practicing clinicians alike. The DOPPS is supported by scientific research grants from Amgen (since 1996), Kyowa Hakko Kirin (since 1999, in Japan), Genzyme (since 2009), and Abbott (since 2009) without restrictions on publications.

For more information visit the DOPPS web site at www.dopps.org.