(SACRAMENTO)A new UC Davis Health study reveals that transportation challenges create major barriers for patients with end-stage kidney disease who receive hemodialysis at a clinic. These challenges also have a negative impact on dialysis clinic staff.

The study was published in the Journal of Nephrology Social Work.

Hemodialysis and kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 35.5 million Americans, or more than 1 in 7 U.S. adults.

Hemodialysis patients typically travel to a clinic three times a week to get treatment.

 

End-stage kidney disease, also known as kidney failure, represents the last stage of chronic kidney disease. This is when the kidneys function at less than 15% of their normal ability. Kidney failure can lead to unexplained weight loss, inability to urinate, loss of appetite and fatigue.

The most common treatment for kidney failure is hemodialysis at a treatment facility. During hemodialysis, a machine moves the patient’s blood through a filter outside the body to remove waste and extra fluids. The filtered blood is then returned to the body.

Hemodialysis patients typically travel to a clinic three times a week, which makes reliable transportation essential.