Dialysis decision-making process by Chinese American patients at an urban, academic medical center: a retrospective chart review.

Background: Clinical practice guidelines emphasize shared decision-making for kidney replacement treatment, yet little is known about the influence of cultural differences on that process. We undertook a retrospective chart review to explore the process and timing of dialysis decision making and initiation in Chinese American patients to provide quality kidney care for this population.

Design: Participants received outpatient care at Tufts Medical Center and dialysis at Dialysis Clinic, Inc.