The perception of nephrologists about peritoneal dialysis in Turkey.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the perceptions of nephrologists about peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous survey was conducted to a total of 150 nephrologists. Demographic data, perceptions, PD indications, contraindications, and possible reasons for low preference of PD were questioned. RESULTS: In decision making, 93.4% of all stated that patients prioritized the doctor's opinion and 80.7% considered PD is the best initial dialysis option. The presence of many HD facilities (70.7%), inadequate knowledge, and education of patients (70%), physicians' reluctance to practice PD (70%), unwillingness of patients (68.7%), negative effect of other patients (67.3%), inadequate experience of PD staff (58.7%), and nonencouragement of PD by the state (58.7%) were the leading reasons of low prevalence. CONCLUSION: Implementation of comprehensive predialysis education programs for patients, informing government and hospital officials about PD advantages, and reinforcing PD principles to the nephrologists could improve the low prevalence of PD in Turkey.