Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease receiving renal replacement therapy are at higher risk of infection with hepatitis B, C and HIV viruses as compared to the general population. Early screening, education and vaccination potentially reduce the risk of acquiring these viruses and therefore future morbidity and mortality. We have sought to establish the opinions, perceptions and understanding of patients regarding the routine testing for blood-borne viruses (BBV) to help improve testing strategies.
Methods: An anonymised survey was conducted in all local dialysis patients that asked their understanding, knowledge and opinions on BBV screening and counselling.
Results: 55.3% (167/302) of all local dialysis patients responded to the survey. 55.1% of these patients knew that they had been screened for BBV and only 12.6% indicated that they had received any counselling prior to testing. However, 74.3% answered that they would be happy to be tested without consent or counselling.
Conclusion: The majority of the patients had not received adequate information regarding BBV screening, but most were content with regular viral screening after initial counselling and consent. Information during pre-dialysis sessions may be an appropriate way of educating patients about the importance of BBV.
Copyright (c) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.