#3898 Quality of life in haemodialysis: are we improving? Comparison 2022–2024

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims Studies have shown that poorer quality of life (QoL) is associated with higher mortality and hospitalisation in dialysis patients. Measuring QoL in this patient population is a key indicator for assessing the impact of treatment and the effectiveness of medical interventions. Aim: To analyse the results of the baseline and 2-year survey to identify improvements and areas of opportunity in the care of haemodialysis (HD) patients in outpatient centres. Method Observational, retrospective, multi-centre study analysing QoL surveys applied to prevalent eligible patients on HD (>3 months) in 2022 and 2024, using the KDQOL-SF36 instrument, in 49 HD centres. The different areas of the generic and the CKD-specific part were assessed. Descriptive analysis was performed to compare the composite scores in these categories and to determine significant variations between groups and over time. Variables are measured in absolute survey scores. Results Of the completed surveys analysed: 3,157 in 2022 and 3,789 in 2024, results show an overall trend of improvement in perceived QoL: Significant improvements in the domains of sexual function (+1.46 points), work status (+1.37 points), pain (+1.17 points) and energy/fatigue (+0.87 points). Perception of the effect of kidney disease increased by 1.07 points. Satisfaction with the dialysis team remained high (100% at the median), with a slight increase in the mean score (+0.41 points). Moderate improvements in disease-associated symptoms (+0.35 points) and in physical and emotional limitations (+0.30 and +0.23 points, respectively). Conclusion The results suggest a positive evolution in the quality of life of haemodialysis patients between 2022 and 2024, highlighting improvements in physical well-being, adaptation to the disease and satisfaction with the care received. These results reinforce the importance of continuing to invest in strategies for a holistic approach to the patient and in measurement tools to assess and continuously improve the quality of life of this population and therefore medical outcomes.