Patients' experiences of dialysis services: are national health strategy targets being met?

Background: The National Health Strategy envisages a health system incorporating patient views; and providing accessible, consultant-led dialysis services with patient choice of dialysis modality, in all regions.
Aims: To describe patients' experiences of renal services against National Health Strategy objectives.
Methods: Telephone interviews with 192 dialysis patients from three hospitals in the Eastern region.
Results: One-quarter of participants (16% of haemodialysis [HD] and 46% of peritoneal dialysis patients) lived outside the Eastern region, and travelled there because dialysis was not available locally. Two-thirds (65%) had a choice of dialysis modality. High satisfaction with interpersonal care was observed (83-98% satisfaction). Dissatisfaction with physical environment included parking (39-56%), waiting areas (62-69%), HD unit space (74%). Regarding support services, dietary services were satisfactory (92-95%), with lower satisfaction ratings for social and financial support services (62%).
Conclusions: Structural and management issues must be addressed to advance a quality agenda for renal care in Ireland.