Optimising Access Surgery in Senior Haemodialysis Patients (OASIS): study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: Current evidence on vascular access strategies for haemodialysis patients is based on observational studies that are at high risk of selection bias. For elderly patients, autologous arteriovenous fistulas that are typically created in usual care may not be the best option because a significant proportion of fistulas either fail to mature or remain unused. In addition, long-term complications associated with arteriovenous grafts and central venous catheters may be less relevant when considering the limited life expectancy of these patients.

Varying Opinions on Who Deserves Collectively Financed Health Care Services: A Discrete Choice Experiment on Allocation Preferences of the General Public.

In Europe, health insurance arrangements are under reform. These arrangements redistribute collectively financed resources to ensure access to health care for all. Allocation of health services is historically based on medical needs, but use of other criteria, such as lifestyle, is debated upon.