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Survey: Nephrologists looking for more innovation
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BOSTON — Compared to other medical specialists, nephrologists indicated less opportunity for innovation in their specialty, according to results of a cross-comparison study presented here at the National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meetings.
“The larger picture here is there is room within the dialysis and the CKD population for more innovation from the pharmaceutical companies. The doctors are looking for it; they want it. That is a positive thing for the patients, doctors and companies,” Kendra O’Donnell, from Spherix Global Insights, told Healio/Nephrology.
Researchers surveyed 202 nephrologists for their thoughts on innovation. Investigators compared responses to the replies gathered from 399 rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, dermatologists and neurologists. Survey questions were about innovation and areas and ways to innovate within each specialty.
O’Donnell said 41% of nephrologists agreed with the statement “There is less opportunity for innovation in my specialty compared to other specialties.” Overall, 15% of rheumatologists; 13% of gastroenterologists and neurologists; and 8% of dermatologists agreed with the same statement for their own specialties. Researchers also found 88% of the nephrologists surveyed agreed with the statement that they would like more innovation in nephrology and 58% of respondents said innovation has been “stifled due to the present ESRD reimbursement model,” according to the O’Donnell.
Results showed 23% of nephrologists rated their primary dialysis center as innovative, which was lower among nephrologists who worked in large dialysis organizations. Overall, 48% of nephrologists replied more innovation exist within the non-dialysis setting. Overall, 50% of the nephrologists surveyed found drug development as the top area for innovation, with medical devices, services and digital/IT following at 29%, 11% and 10%, respectively. The top priority was to develop agents to slow the progression of CKD. ꟷ by Kristine Houck, MA, ELS
Reference:
Robinson J, et al. Poster 268. Presented at: National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meetings; May 8-12, 2019; Boston.
Disclosure: O’Donnell reports no relevant financial disclosures. The study was independently funded.