[Results of QC vs QL study (quality of care vs quality of life) 2006-2009. The way of providing hemodialysis and a concomitant therapy]

Abstract

Healthcare development is the fact in the present world. Because of this the improvement of the quality of care and life of patients is of great importance. Since six years in our country, the study concerning quality of life and care of hemodialysed patients (QC vs QL) is performed annually. In three subsequent papers results of studies performed between 2006 and 2009 are summarised. Almost 7000 patients were studies in the analysed period. This was more than 10% of dialysed patients in every year. In the present paper we focused on the hemodialysis modalities and concomitant therapy. The increase of high-flux hemodialysis usage as well as plasmapheresis but not hemodiafiltration was noticed in the analysed period. Adequacy of the therapy was evaluated as Kt/V and was stable in the whole study. Treatment with erythropoesis stimulating agents (ESA) was provided in 100% of dialysis units, the dosage frequency was connected with long acting ESA. Because of changed trends and the payer requirements apart from frequency the route has also changed. The average haemoglobin level reflected European and county guidelines and changed during the observation. Additional help from psychologist and dietician is available in too small number of dialysis units. Summarizing, based on performed analysis the development of hemodialysis treatment and a high level of provided therapy comparable to other European countries was observed in Poland. Support for further development and improvement of renal replacement therapy is needed to achieve also better quality of life of our patients.