Abstract
Despite similar or better patient outcomes, peritoneal dialysis and pre-emptive kidney transplantation are underutilized in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, most patients with end-stage renal disease begin dialysis in unplanned fashion necessitating the commencement of dialysis using central venous catheter access. We aimed to investigate if early patient education can help in overcoming these barriers. The study is a survey-based study at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh Dialysis Center. In January 2017, we started a monthly Chronic Kidney Disease Education Class in our center. Since then, 14 classes have taken place attended by 54 patients referred from outpatient nephrology clinics with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages IV and V. The mean age was 51.6 years (16-85); 32 of the attendees were male and 22 were female. The class consisted of a slide informative presentation, a display of educational materials, and interactions with a multidisciplinary team from dialysis, transplantation, vascular access, and dietician services. A feedback survey was given to attendees at the conclusion of the class covering three domains; speakers, the program, and their personal reflections. Feedback options were laid out as "excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor." All class attendees responded to the questionnaire (100% response rate). The overall class evaluation was positive with the majority of attendees giving "excellent" rating for the speakers and the educational materials covered. Most thought that the class made them understand CKD nature better and helped them choose the right modality of renal replacement therapy. This initiative proves the feasibility of a sustained and attendee-gratifying education class to inform patients with advanced CKD about different options of renal replacement therapy and the need for timely preparation. To objectively measure the class's effect, the next phase of this review will define the ultimate outcome of each of its attendees.