Assessing satisfaction with the care given by peritoneal dialysis patients during the pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic forced our unit to alternate in-person consultations with telephone consultations, without this increasing urgent visits. Therefore, it seemed necessary to know the patient’s opinion regarding this matter. Objective: To assess the satisfaction of patients receiving peritoneal dialysis with the quality of care received through a mixed model of in-person and teleconsultations. Material and Method: PA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between February and March 2021, using an anonymous telephone survey conducted by an independent interviewer. Inclusion criteria: aged over 18, receiving peritoneal dialysis, and giving their consent. Variables collected: age, sex, primary caregiver, provider (Baxter® / Fresenius® ), hospital admission (Yes/No). Satisfaction questionnaire (9 questions): 2 open-ended, 1 semi-closed with a dichotomous response and free text, and 6 closed with Likert-type response from 0-10. Results: Of the 78 peritoneal dialysis patients, 71 participants were included. 59.1% (n=42) were men, with an average age of 66.1 years (23.33-91.23 years). The average score for healthcare received through the mixed model of visits was 9.5 ±1.13. Regarding aspects to improve in phone consultations, 61.2% (n=41) considered it unnecessary to assign a specific time, 11.2% (n=8) stated the need to receive changes in writing, 4.5% (n=3) requested an improvement in the request for laboratory analysis at the healthcare center, and none considered video calls necessary. Conclusions: The patient’s satisfaction with our mixed model of visits seems to reflect a good quality of care, subject to improvement and individualization.