Abstract
Integrated multidisciplinary predialysis education (MPE) is usually provided to support and prepare the pre-end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients before the initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT). However, the impact of MPE is not known in our population, which is comprised patients of Asian origins and recipients of a totally subsidized health-care system. This research compared the survival probability, sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics of MPE patients and non-MPE patients (or crashlanders). A retrospective cohort study was conducted to investigate ESRD patients who started RRT in Brunei Darussalam from January 2013 to December 2014. Data were extracted from the computerized clinical database and dialysis records. A total of 351 new cases of ESRD patients who started on hemodialysis during the study period were included in the study. The median age was 56.0 years, with a slight male preponderance (56.6%). The MPE group was significantly older (P = 0.001) and more likely to have a history of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.013), ischemic heart disease (P = 0.014), and hypertension (P = 0.016). Despite being older and having more comorbidities (P = 0.028), MPE patients have a better survival probability (P = 0.028) and a 34% decreased risk of dying. Of those who died, older age (P = 0.001), higher serum creatinine (P = 0.01), and lower hemoglobin level (P = 0.017) were significant prognostic indicators. MPE before the initiation of RRT contributed to greater survival probability in near ESRD patients. The survival benefits were evident despite the presence of inherent risks (older age and presence of comorbidities) in the MPE population in comparison with the non-MPE cohort.