Geographical access to hemodialysis: an analysis of patient choices

Introduction:Patients do not always go to the facility closest to their home. Description:A study was carried out in Provence-Alpes Côtes d'Azur (PACA) on patients' preferences to mobilize the hemodialysis offer. Methods:The data were extracted from the REIN Registry. Potential access was compared with actual access. A survey was carried out among a sample of patients travelling an additional distance of more than 25 km. Results:About a quarter of the patients did not travel to the nearest facility. Of these, 16.3% travelled an additional distance of over 25 km. Patients' choices were determined by the relationship of trust with the team that first set up dialysis, followed by their desire to be followed in a multi-purpose facility. Discussion:While distance remained the decisive factor, human factors were cited in the majority of cases to explain the bypass. Conclusion:The links between the first team and the next one should be strengthened.