Abstract

KIE: Among European countries, the United Kingdom presently has the lowest crude acceptance rate for renal dialysis, the smallest proportion of patients over sixty, the lowest acceptance rate for diabetics, and the fewest dialysis units per million population. The severe shortage of dialysis facilities could be significantly alleviated by more efficient utilization of existing regional centers. The authors were able to double the hemodialysis capacity at their hospital by the replacement of 14-hour twice-weekly regimens with shorter thrice-weekly treatment schedules. Their survey of work patterns in UK dialysis units indicates that, with staffing and scheduling adjustments, the existing capital establishment could support twice the patient population now served and increase the number of diabetics and elderly undergoing dialysis.