COVID-19 pandemic causes disruptions in kidney transplant process
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A survey of staff in the Southeast of America revealed the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the kidney transplant process, such as referrals and evaluations, according to data published in Kidney International Reports.
“While we know there was a substantial impact of the pandemic on transplant centers, including some transplant centers canceling transplant surgeries, the impact of the pandemic among dialysis facility clinical providers who typically educate and refer patients about transplantation is understudied,” Rachel E. Patzer, PhD, MPH, a professor and director of the Health Services Research Center at Emory University School of Medicine, told Healio.
Data were derived from Patzer RE, et al. Kidney Int Rep. 2022;doi:10.1016/j.ekir.2022.01.007.
In an analysis of cross-sectional survey data, researchers determined the early effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on kidney transplant access from a dialysis facility perspective in the Southeast of America. A total of 651 dialysis centers sent surveys out to staff in April 2020. Data in this study were limited to the early stages of the pandemic.
Among 352 survey responses, 280 were included in the results. Following the pandemic, 81 respondents said COVID-19 impacted transplant referrals and 169 respondents shared that the pandemic affected transplant evaluations. Responses showed 48.6% of staff were concerned about “dependent institutions (eg, vascular access surgery clinic, transplant center, home training program) not operating as usual,” 33.6% worried about an “overwhelmed health care system” and 26.8% were concerned about and transportation issues.
“We found that about 30% of dialysis facilities reported disruptions in transplant referrals and that 60% reported disruptions in their patients’ ability to start or complete the transplant evaluation process,” Patzer told Healio. “Understanding the disruptions that dialysis facility staff faced and continue to face in the COVID-19 pandemic may help us to identify ways we can help support staff to ensure patients continue to get access to life-saving treatment.”
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