Arbor Research Collaborative for Health -- Publication Details

CITATION:
Robinson BM, Port FK. Caring for dialysis patients: Caring for Dialysis Patients: International insights from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS). Semin Dial 2010; 23(1): 4-6

ABSTRACT:
Since its inception, the primary aim of the international Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) has been to identify practices that extend survival and improve quality of life for hemodialysis patients. The DOPPS has yielded important research findings directly relevant to patients, as well as to healthcare providers and policy makers. For details, the reader is referred to the publication list on the DOPPS Web site (http://www.dopps.org). In late 2009, the site added a DOPPS Annual Report summarizing trends over time and differences between countries in key dialysis practices (e.g., dialysis dose, medication use) and laboratory measures (e.g., hemoglobin, phosphate levels). In this issue of Seminars in Dialysis, we provide five essays that review key DOPPS publications in selected areas of hemodialysis care. This essay will highlight DOPPSmethods, insights from theDOPPSinto regional differences in survival and practices, and progress toward developing a composite measure of facility quality achievement. The four other essays will focus onDOPPS findings related to vascular access (Drs. Hugh Rayner and Ron Pisoni), mineral metabolism (Dr. Francesca Tentori), quality of life (Drs.Tentori andDonnaMapes), and health policy / economics (Dr.Richard Hirth)