Music Therapy in Dialysis Access Procedures With Moderate Sedation.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate the effects of music on patients' anxiety and satisfaction after undergoing dialysis access procedures under moderate sedation. METHODS: Patients (n = 30) undergoing moderate sedation for dialysis access procedures were evaluated at a single institution. Each patient filled out a survey preoperatively and postoperatively using the short form State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6). Patient-selected music was provided by using a MP3 player with noise canceling headphones. RESULTS: Postoperatively, 77% of patients perceived music intervention as very or extremely helpful in decreasing anxiety during the procedure. Further, 93% of patients were somewhat or very satisfied with their procedure. The average pain rating was 3.1 on a scale of 0-10, in which 70% of patients had no to mild pain and 30% of patients rated moderate to severe pain. In comparison to prior procedures without music, 63% of patients rated better experience with the music intervention, 37% rated a similar experience, and 3.7% rated having a worse experience. Approximately, 93% of patients were willing to repeat procedure with music and would recommend it to other patients. Preoperative anxiety average score was 35.6 ± 13 and was reduced postoperatively to 28.9 ± 12.9 (P = .006). Preoperatively, 23% of patients rated high anxiety and postoperatively only 6.7% of patients rated high anxiety (P = .016). CONCLUSION: Music is an easy, feasible, inexpensive intervention that may reduce patients' anxiety and improve satisfaction during moderate sedation procedures and in the postoperative period.

Psychosocial Factors, Intentions to Pursue Arteriovenous Dialysis Access, and Access Outcomes: A Cohort Study.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Suboptimal dialysis preparation of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, but little is known about its relationship to psychosocial factors. This study aimed to assess patients' attitudes about access creation and to identify factors associated with patients' intentions regarding dialysis access creation and outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 190 patients with stage 4/5 CKD not receiving dialysis treated at 2 hospitals in Singapore and 128 of their family members. PREDICTORS: Self-reported measures of illness perception, health-related quality of life, and attitudes toward access creation. Sociodemographic and clinical measures were also obtained. OUTCOME: Intention to create an arteriovenous fistula (AVF; ie, proceed with access vs wait and see) and time to creation of a functional AVF. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was undertaken to construct internally consistent subscales for a newly developed questionnaire about attitudes toward access creation. Logistic regression and cause-specific hazards models were conducted to identify psychosocial factors associated with patients' access creation intentions and access outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: EFA (explained 50.1% variance) revealed 4 domains: access and dialysis concerns, need for dialysis, worry about cost, and value of access. A high risk of intention to delay access creation (51.1%) was found among patients despite early referral and education. Multivariable analysis (R2=0.45) showed that the intention to proceed with access creation was associated with greater perceived value from access (odds ratio, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.46-4.65; P<0.001). LIMITATIONS: Limited generalization, as only those already receiving nephrology care were studied. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the patients studied planned to delay access creation. The questionnaire developed to evaluate attitudes about access creation may help identify individuals for whom decision-support programs would be useful. These findings highlight the need to understand and address patients' concerns about access creation.

The association between vascular access type and depressive symptoms in geriatric hemodialysis population.

OBJECTIVES: A well-functioning vascular access is crucial for hemodialysis treatment, and arteriovenous fistula is the recommended vascular access type. Arteriovenous fistula is superior to other vascular access types in many aspects, but the effect of arteriovenous fistula on patients' psychiatric state is not well described yet. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is an association between vascular access type and depression scores. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two hemodialysis centers. Geriatric Depression Scale-15 was administered to geriatric hemodialysis patients, using ≥5 score as the cut-off value for the presence of depressive symptoms. Descriptive tests, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Pearson's Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's rank correlation calculation, and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed accordingly to analyze the data. RESULTS: Of 75 participants, 34 (45.3%) were female and the mean age was 73.4 ± 5.9 years (range: 65-92). The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the geriatric hemodialysis population was 53.3%. Central venous catheter, hypertension, and increased time on hemodialysis have been found to be risk factors for higher depression scores (aOR 10.505 (95% CI 1.435-76.900), p = 0.021; aOR 9.783 (95% CI 2.508-38.169), p = 0.001; aOR 1.019 (95% CI 1.003-1.035), p = 0.017, respectively). Among patients with arteriovenous fistula, those with hypertension had higher depression scores (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Geriatric hemodialysis patients were found to have depressive symptoms commonly, and central venous catheter, hypertension, and increased time on hemodialysis have been found to be risk factors for presence of depressive symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study highlighting that arteriovenous fistula is associated with lower depression scores and lower prevalence of depressive symptoms.

The effects of vascular access types on the survival and quality of life and depression in the incident hemodialysis patients.

Background: Although arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis (HD), the association between vascular access types and quality of life is not well-known. We investigated the relationships between HD vascular access types and all-cause mortality, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the degree of depression in a large prospective cohort.Methods: A total of 1461 patients who newly initiated HD were included. The initial vascular access types were classified into AVF, arteriovenous graft (AVG), and central venous catheter (CVC). The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and HRQOL and depression. The secondary outcome was all-cause hospitalization. Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 36 (KDQOL-36) and Beck's depression inventory (BDI) scores were measured to assess HRQOL and depression.Results: Among 1461 patients, we identified 314 patients who started HD via AVF, 76 via AVG, and 1071 via CVC. In the survival analysis, patients with AVF showed significantly better survival compared with patients with other accesses (p < .001). The AVF and AVG group had higher KDQOL-36 score and lower BDI score than CVC group at 3 months and 12 months after the initiation of HD. The frequency of hospitalization was higher in patients with AVG compared to those with AVF (AVF 0.7 vs. AVG 1.1 times per year) (p = .024).Conclusions: The patients with AVF had better survival rate and low hospitalization rate, and the patients with AVF or AVG showed both higher HRQOL and lower depression scores than those with CVC.

The vascular access questionnaire: a single centre UK experience.

BACKGROUND: Haemodialysis is capable of prolonging life in patients with end stage renal disease, however this therapy comes with significant negative impact on quality of life. For patients requiring haemodialysis, the need for an adequately functioning vascular access (VA) is an everyday concern. The Vascular Access Questionnaire (VAQ) provides a mechanism for identifying and scoring factors in haemodialysis that impact on patients' quality of life and perception of their therapy. METHODS: Between April 2017-18 the VAQ was administered to prevalent haemodialysis patients at 10 units in the West Midlands via structured interviews. RESULTS: 749 of 920 potentially eligible patients completed the survey. The mean VAQ score was seen to improve significantly with age (7.7 in < 55 vs. 3.8 in 75+) and the duration of access (8.9 if less than 1 month old vs. 5.0 at a year). Better average scores were demonstrated for Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) than other modalities (AVF 5.1 vs. AVG (arteriovenous grafts) 7.2 vs. CVC (central venous catheter) 6.6). There was no significant difference in scores between fistulas on non-dominant or dominant arms, with both having a mean of 5.2 (p = 0.341). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, better satisfaction scores were seen in AVF. The presence of an AVF on the non-dominant arm was not a concern for the majority of patients and did not affect the VAQ score. A number of factors were identified that can influence VAQ satisfaction score.

Influence of arteriovenous fistula on daily living behaviors involving the upper limbs in hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous fistulae can restrict daily living behaviors involving the upper limbs in hemodialysis patients, but no studies have investigated the detailed effects of an arteriovenous fistula on routine life activities. Accordingly, many medical caregivers are unable to explain the effects of an arteriovenous fistula on daily life, particularly during non-dialysis periods, because they cannot observe them directly. METHODS: Thirty outpatients undergoing hemodialysis at 2 facilities scored the difficulty due to an arteriovenous fistula in performing 48 living behaviors during non-dialysis and 10 behaviors during dialysis into 5 grades in a comprehensive questionnaire survey. These behaviors were selected based on an open-answer pre-questionnaire administered to the 30 patients beforehand. The scores were also compared between dominant arm and non-dominant arm arteriovenous fistula groups. RESULTS: During non-dialysis, the difficulty scores of behaviors restricted out of concern for arteriovenous fistula obstruction (wear a wristwatch, hang a bag on the arm, carry a baby or a dog in the arms, wear a short-sleeved shirt, etc.) increased. The difficulties of "wear a wristwatch" and "hang a bag on the arm" were significantly higher in the non-dominant arm arteriovenous fistula group (both P < 0.05). In contrast, scores related to motor function (write, eat or drink, scratch an itch, etc.) increased remarkably during dialysis because of connection of the arteriovenous fistula to the dialysis machine. The difficulties of "write" and "eat or drink" were significantly higher in the dominant arm arteriovenous fistula group (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Several key daily living behaviors restricted by an arteriovenous fistula were identified in this questionnaire survey. These results will be useful for pre-operative explanation of arteriovenous fistula surgery and arm selection in end-stage renal disease patients.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Vascular Access Referral Policies in CKD.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of vascular access referral for patients with chronic kidney disease who may need hemodialysis (HD) is a pressing question in nephrology. Current referral policies have not been rigorously compared with respect to costs and benefits and do not consider patient-specific factors such as age. STUDY DESIGN: Monte Carlo simulation model. SETTING & POPULATION: Patients with chronic kidney disease, referred to a multidisciplinary kidney clinic in a universal health care system. MODEL, PERSPECTIVE, & TIMEFRAME: Cost-effectiveness analysis, payer perspective, lifetime horizon. INTERVENTION: The following vascular access referral policies are considered: central venous catheter (CVC) only, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or graft (AVG) referral upon HD initiation, AVF (or AVG) referral when HD is forecast to begin within 12 (or 3 for AVG) months, AVF (or AVG) referral when estimated glomerular filtration rate is <15 (or <10 for AVG) mL/min/1.73m2. OUTCOMES: Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs, in 2014 US dollars per quality-adjusted life-year [QALY] gained). RESULTS: The ICER of AVF (AVG) referral within 12 (3) months of forecasted HD initiation, compared to using only a CVC, is ∼$105k/QALY ($101k/QALY) at a population level (HD costs included). Pre-HD AVF or AVG referral dominates delaying referral until HD initiation. The ICER of pre-HD referral increases with patient age. Results are most sensitive to erythropoietin costs, ongoing HD costs, and patients' utilities for HD. When ongoing HD costs are excluded from the analysis, pre-HD AVF dominates both pre-HD AVG and CVC-only policies. LIMITATIONS: Literature-based estimates for HD, AVF, and AVG utilities are limited. CONCLUSIONS: The cost-effectiveness of vascular access referral is largely driven by the annual costs of HD, erythropoietin costs, and access-specific utilities. Further research is needed in the field of dialysis-related quality of life to inform decision making regarding vascular access referral.

Hemodialysis patients' satisfaction and perspectives on complications associated with vascular access related interventions: are we listening?

PURPOSE: To understand the patient's perspective on complications associated with vascular access-related interventions. METHODS: A multi-stage comprehensive questionnaire of over 150 items was administered to 140 in-center hemodialysis patients in a large, Toronto-based academic-based facility from May 1, 2011 until July 1, 2014. The questionnaire was divided into three domains: physical complications, disruption to routine, and infection. For each of the 12 prespecified vascular access interventions, there were 9 items about the associated complications. The level of bother associated with complications was measured using a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: The mean Likert value (5 = extremely bothered) for the physical complications domain was highest for grafts at 1.92, followed closely by fistulas at 1.87, and catheters at 1.56. The mean Likert value for the "disruption of routine" domain was highest for catheters at 1.44, followed by grafts at 1.37, and fistulas at 1.33. For infectious complications of all vascular access-related interventions the mean Likert value was highest at 1.76 for catheters as compared to fistulas at 1.23 and grafts at 1.22. CONCLUSIONS: For hemodialysis patients, the physical complications associated with needle cannulation of fistulas and grafts are a major source of dissatisfaction, while infectious complications, including catheter-related infections, are not a significant source of their concerns. Future research should focus on developing methods to effectively: (i) reduce the fear and pain associated with cannulation and (ii) educate patients about the risks associated with vascular access-related infection.

Multiple preoperative and intraoperative factors predict early fistula thrombosis in the Hemodialysis Fistula Maturation Study.

OBJECTIVE: Early thrombosis (ET) contributes to autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. We studied patients undergoing AVF placement in the Hemodialysis Fistula Maturation Study, a prospective, observational cohort study, using a nested case-control analysis to identify preoperative and intraoperative predictors of ET. METHODS: ET cases were compared with controls, who were matched for gender, age, diabetes, dialysis status, and surgeon fistula volume. ET was defined as thrombosis diagnosed by physical examination or ultrasound within 18 days of AVF creation. Conditional logistic regression models were fit to identify risk factors for ET. RESULTS: Thirty-two ET cases (5.3%) occurred among 602 study participants; 198 controls were matched. ET was associated with female gender (odds ratio [OR], 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-6.38; P = .018), fistula location (forearm vs upper arm; OR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.05-7.23; P = .039), feeding artery (radial vs brachial; OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.03-6.77; P = .043) and arterial diameter (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.02-2.26; P = .039, per mm smaller). The draining vein diameter was nonlinearly associated with ET, with highest risk in 2- to 3-mm veins. Surprisingly, ET risk was lower in diabetics (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.07-0.47; P = .0004), lower with less nitroglycerin-mediated brachial artery dilation (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.20-1.92; P = .029 for each 10% lower) and higher with lower carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.02-2.20; P = .041, for each m/s lower). Intraoperative protamine use was associated with a higher ET risk (OR, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.28-∞; P = .038). Surgeon's intraoperative perceptions were associated with ET: surgeons' greater concern about maturation success (likely, marginal, unlikely) was associated with higher thrombosis risk (OR, 8.09; 95% CI, 4.03-∞; P < .0001, per category change), as were absence vs presence of intraoperative thrill (OR, 21.0; 95% CI, 5.07-∞; P = .0001) and surgeons' reported frustration during surgery (OR, 6.85; 95% CI, 2.70-∞; P = .0004). Decreased extent of intraoperative thrill (proximal, mid or distal third of the forearm or upper arm, based on AVF placement) was also associated with ET (OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.31-∞; P = .007, per diminished level). Oral antithrombotic medication use was not significantly associated with ET. CONCLUSIONS: ET was found to be associated with female gender, forearm AVF, smaller arterial size, draining vein diameter of 2 to 3 mm, and protamine use. Paradoxically, diabetes and stiff, noncompliant feeding arteries were associated with a lower frequency of ET. Absent or attenuated intraoperative thrill, and both surgeon frustration and concern about successful maturation during surgery, were correlated strongly with ET.

[Permanent vascular access for haemodialysis].

The presence of a permanent vascular access (PVA) is the pledge of successful treatment of patients being on chronic haemodialysis (CD). Creation and maintenance of a functioning PVA is the priority task of vascular and endovascular surgeons, nephrologists and specialists of haemodialysis departments. According to the KDOQI guidelines, the most preferable type of PVA is a native arteriovenous fistula (AVF). As an alternative it is possible to use a synthetic prosthesis for creating an arteriovenous shunt (AVS) or implantation of a central venous catheter (CVC). Various complications of vascular accesses leading to their loss create the necessity of forming just another PVA, thus negatively influencing the life span and quality of life of this cohort of patients. Improving surgical technique and approaches to treatment, as well as carrying out dynamic monitoring of the condition of the created PVA make it possible to considerably decrease the incidence rate of such complications and to improve the quality of medical care rendered.

Type of vascular access and location in online hemodiafiltration and its association with patient's perception of health-related quality of life.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work is to evaluate the patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL), according to the type and location of vascular access used for dialysis procedure. METHODS: In this transversal study, 322 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients under online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF, 59.63% males; 64.9±14.3 years) were enrolled. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) was used by 252 patients (78.3%), whereas 70 patients (21.7%) had a central venous catheter (CVC). Besides AVF location, data on comorbidities, hematological data, iron status, dialysis adequacy, nutritional and inflammatory markers were collected. Moreover, the patients' reported HRQOL score, using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form, was evaluated. RESULTS: ESRD patients using CVC as vascular access presented a decrease in four SF-36 domain scores, namely physical functioning, emotional well-being, role-emotional and energy/fatigue when compared with those using AVF as vascular access. Additionally, these patients also showed significant differences in ESRD target areas, namely decline in cognitive function and quality of social interaction domains. When comparing the variables according to the localization of the AVF, significant differences were found in three SF-36 domain scores, namely physical functioning, pain and general health. Moreover, we also found significant differences in ESRD target areas, namely symptoms/problem list, effects of kidney disease and quality of social interaction domains. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that ESRD patients under OL-HDF using AVF as vascular access had higher HRQOL scores in several domains when compared with those using CVC. Additionally, we also found that dialysis patients using AVF in the left forearm presented with higher HRQOL scores.

Almost anyone can have home therapy but can we overcome the barriers?

BACKGROUND: Home dialysis, including both peritoneal and haemodialysis, has been shown to improve patient wellbeing as well as being an economically beneficial alternative to hospital-based therapies. OBJECTIVES: This paper discusses the major barriers to home therapies, particularly in relation to home haemodialysis (HHD) and systems that can be used to overcome them. RESULTS: The use of HHD varies considerably between and within countries. The major limitation is lack of experience and education. A well-planned pre-dialysis education programme seems to be one essential key to the growth of home therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Key points in providing a successful home therapy programme are a highly motivated multidisciplinary team including a dedicated nephrologist and high-level nursing expertise. In addition, an effective pre-dialysis education programme for identifying suitable patients is required.

Successful vascular access management for home haemodialysis: a practical approach.

BACKGROUND: The literature in the field of access management in relation to home haemodialysis (HHD) was reviewed. FINDINGS: One of the greatest benefits of HHD is the possibility for high dose dialysis. There is, however, concern about its adverse effects on access survival. Furthermore, for the patients, self-cannulation is often the biggest obstacle for HHD. Both problems might be resolved by applying a single needle dialysis technique or, in case of arterio-venous fistulae, using the buttonhole (BH) method. As for the BH method there is one limitation-the elevated risk of life-threatening infections. However, in none of the trials referred to in this paper, the BH method was abandoned, probably due to the implementation of successful, problem-tackling measures. CONCLUSION: Continued training and re-training of staff and patients is vital to gain and maintain a wide understanding of successful vascular access management.

Effect on anxiety of education programme about care of arteriovenous fistula in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the impact of education, provided to individuals, in whom AV fistula was preferred as a vascular access, regarding information and anxiety. METHODS: This experimental study was performed on 32 patients undergoing hemodialysis between November 2009 and February 2010 in the Nephrology Clinic of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Hospital. Patients' data was collected by means of Personal Information Form (PIF), AV Fistula Information Form (AV-FIF), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI); education brochures were used in order to inform the individuals. Collected data were assessed with SPSS . Statistical analyses were used in order to assess the data: percentage account, paired samples t test. RESULTS: When comparing information and anxiety score of individuals prior to and following education about AV fistula care, it was seen that information and anxiety scores were low and high respectively, prior to the education. Following education, patients' information and anxiety scores became higher and lower respectively. All these results were statistically significant (P< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Education about fistula increased the information level about fistula care and decreased anxiety in patients undergoing hemodialysis. It is important to perform patient education regularly, because it increases the level of orientation towards illness and interventions in patients.

Vascular access type, health-related quality of life, and depression in hemodialysis patients: a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are the vascular access of choice for hemodialysis (HD) compared with arteriovenous grafts (AVG) and central venous catheters (CVC). In spite of increasing recognition of importance of a patient's perception of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and depression, few studies have assessed the association of vascular access type with HRQOL and depression. The purpose of our study was to examine HRQOL and depression among patients with different vascular access. METHODS: Severity of symptoms of depression and HRQOL were assessed by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Short Form-36 (SF-36), respectively. Vascular access was reported as one of three options; AVF, AVG, and CVC. RESULTS: In total, 136 patients were included; 104 had AVF, 15 had AVG, and 17 had CVC. BDI and HRQOL parameters differed among patients with different vascular access types. In post hoc analysis, BDI and HRQOL subscales were not different between patients with AVF and AVG. Patients with CVC had lower physical functioning (P:.001), role-physical limitation (P:.015), general health perception (P:.017), vitality (P:.010), social functioning (P:.004), role-emotional (P:.008), mental health (P:.001), physical component summary score (P:.017), and mental component summary score (P:.006) when compared to patients with AVF. Patients with CVC had lower physical functioning (P:.044), role-emotional (P:.044) and mental health scores (P:.04) when compared to patients with AVG. CONCLUSIONS: Having a CVC may negatively influence HRQOL in HD patients. Vascular access type does not seem to be related to depressed mood in HD.

Negotiating living with an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis.

The purpose of this study was to examine how clients with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis negotiate living with an arteriovenous fistula. A fistula is the preferred access for hemodialysis, and clients must continually monitor and protect their fistula. In this qualitative, ethnographic study, data were collected during fieldwork and semistructured interviews. Constructivism and a cultural negotiation model provided frameworks for the study. Fourteen clients were interviewed; interviews lasted 1.5 to 4 hours. Results revealed new insights into informants'perspectives and experiences with a vascular access. The overarching theme was vulnerability, and underlying themes were body awareness, dependency, mistrust, and stigma. The response to vulnerability was to be continually vigilant and assertive to protect the holistic self Stigma of the vascular access was an important issue for informants and evoked the greatest emotional responses.

"Everyone should buttonhole": a novel technique for a regional Australian renal service.

The buttonhole, or constant-site, cannulation technique, although used elsewhere, had not been used in North Queensland, Australia, prior to 2005. This paper reports the results from a survey of patients' and nurses' initial experiences with the buttonhole cannulation technique 20 months after its introduction into a renal service in North Queensland. The use of the buttonhole technique increased the ease and decreased the discomfort associated with access cannulation for both patients and nurses; both groups reported less anxiety associated with this technique. The patients were especially pleased with the improved cosmetic appearance and indicated that they would be more likely to become involved in self-care, including self-cannulation. The nursing service has implemented strategies to ensure that buttonhole cannulation continues to be used as one means of arteriovenous fistula access across the region. A current study is examining longer-term outcomes of using the buttonhole technique within this regional service.

Patient dialysis knowledge is associated with permanent arteriovenous access use in chronic hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patient knowledge about chronic hemodialysis (CHD) is important for effective self-management behaviors, but little is known about its association with vascular access use. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Prospective cohort of adult incident CHD patients from May 2002 until November 2005 and followed for 6 mo after initiation of hemodialysis (HD). Patient knowledge was measured using the Chronic Hemodialysis Knowledge Survey (CHeKS). The primary outcome was dialysis access type at: baseline, 3 mo, and 6 mo after HD initiation. Secondary outcomes included anemia, nutritional, and mineral laboratory measures. RESULTS: In 490 patients, the median (interquartile range) CHeKS score (0 to 100%) was 65%[52% to 78%]. Lower scores were associated with older age, fewer years of education, and nonwhite race. Patients with CHeKS scores 20 percentage points higher were more likely to use an arteriovenous fistula or graft compared with a catheter at HD initiation and 6 mo after adjustment for age, sex, race, education, and diabetes mellitus. No statistically significant associations were found between knowledge and laboratory outcome measures, except for a moderate association with serum albumin. Potential limitations include residual confounding and an underpowered study to determine associations with some clinical measures. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with less dialysis knowledge may be less likely to use an arteriovenous access for dialysis at initiation and after starting hemodialysis. Additional studies are needed to explore the impact of patient dialysis knowledge, and its improvement after educational interventions, on vascular access in hemodialysis.