Analysis of patient flow into dialysis: role of education in choice of dialysis modality.

Background: Despite advances in predialysis care, morbidity and mortality remain high.

Objectives: To analyze end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patient demographics and clinical data on education on dialysis treatment options, type of chronic renal replacement therapy (RRT), and effects of planned versus non-planned dialysis start.

Methods: 621 patients, from 24 Spanish hospitals, who started RRT in 2002.