A Study Describing Patients' Perspectives on Cognitive Function Screening During Hemodialysis.

Routine screening of cognitive function in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) is recommended, yet rarely it happens. This study sought to identify barriers to cognitive function screening for patients with ESKD receiving in-center hemodialysis. To ascertain their perceptions of cognitive function screening, 100 patients aged 50 years and older (48% female, 49% Black/African-American) from seven hemodialysis centers participated in structured interviews after completing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Geriatric Depression Scale. Participants rated the screening experience favorably, indicating cognitive function screening is acceptable to patients receiving hemodialysis. The level of cognitive impairment was the only factor significantly associated with screening evaluation scores, with participants with scores indicating mild or moderate impairment evaluating screening less favorably than those with normal cognitive function scores. Next steps include identifying systems level barriers and establishing appropriate follow up for patients with abnormal screening results.