A period prevalence study of palliative care need and provision in adult patients attending hospital-based dialysis units.

Background: Advanced chronic kidney disease is a life-limiting disease that is known to benefit from palliative care. Unmet palliative care need in patients with kidney failure is commonly reported but the level of need among patients receiving haemodialysis is unknown.

Methods: A period prevalence study of adult patients attending two hospital-based dialysis units was conducted. Patient medical records were reviewed using the Gold Standards Framework Proactive Indication Guidance to assess for potential palliative care need.

Results: A total of 128 patient medical records were reviewed, 45% (n = 58) of patients could have potentially benefitted from palliative care. Of the patients with indicators for palliative care, 72% (n = 42) had no evidence of receiving or awaiting any form of palliative care. High levels of palliative care need were found in patients who identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous patients.

Conclusions: This study found high levels of palliative care need among adult patients attending hospital-based dialysis units. The majority of patients with indicators were not receiving any form of palliative care.