Awareness of the New Kidney Allocation System among United States Dialysis Providers with Low Waitlisting

Am J Nephrol. 2018;47(2):115-119. doi: 10.1159/000486648. Epub 2018 Feb 22.

Abstract

It is unknown whether dialysis facility staff are aware of the new kidney allocation system implemented in December 2014, which changed how deceased donor kidneys are allocated and waiting time is calculated. U.S. dialysis facilities with low annual waitlisting (<15.2%) were surveyed as part of a large randomized study. Among 653 facilities, 57.9% of staff were aware of the policy change, with medical directors (84.4%) being more aware than social workers (73.3%), facility administrators (53.1%), nurse managers (46.4%), and other staff (43.8%). Targeted education among dialysis facilities with low waitlisting may help extend the reach of the new policy.

Keywords: Kidney allocation policy; Kidney transplantation; Provider knowledge; Racial disparities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Allied Health Personnel / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney*
  • Male
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement*
  • Waiting Lists*