DOPPS: Making the Case for Using Functioning and Well-Being Surveys to Assess Risk and Improve Outcomes.

Abstract

Multiple studies of people with chronic kidney disease and kidney failure included measurement of functioning and well-being using the SF-36 or the Kidney Disease Quality of Life™ survey. Those on dialysis have scored consistently lower than norms. The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study found that in patients on hemodialysis low physical component summary and mental component summary scores were significantly associated with higher risks of hospitalization, death, and dialysis withdrawal. Higher scores on the “down in the dumps” and “downhearted and blue” questions were significantly associated with higher risk of hospitalization, death, and dialysis withdrawal. Preliminary research has found that rehabilitation interventions can improve functioning and well-being and that scores can help direct team care planning. More research is needed to determine which clinical social work interventions are associated with improved scores and outcomes. Answering this question could greatly improve the lives of those with kidney disease, save taxpayers’ money, and help dialysis centers stay financially viable.