The Socioeconomic Impact of Transport Costs for Adult Patients Requiring Haemodialysis: A Mixed Methods Study
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Patients requiring haemodialysis often perceive the cost of their travels to the dialysis centres as a significant burden. The study aimed to collect a first Swiss national data set on transport costs and assess their impact on patients and their relatives. METHODS: In addition to interviews with patients, a quantitative survey was developed and distributed online using a voluntary sampling strategy. Data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics. A Sounding Board of patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals accompanied all steps of the project. RESULTS: A total of 6 dialysis patients were interviewed; 437 respondents of the national survey met the inclusion criteria. Patients travel a median distance of 7.5 km to their dialysis centres. For 78% of them, the journey takes up to 30 min, and nearly half use their private car as their main mode of transport. The median annual transport costs are CHF 2925 (mean = CHF 5041). Approximately half of the patients perceive transport costs as a burden or limitation, yet only about 30% receive financial support, for which there is no standard process. Patients requiring financial support reported difficulties navigating the system. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted that many dialysis patients are burdened by transport costs and receive limited financial support and counselling services. Implementation of a standardised process for financial support should be explored.
Source: Healthcare
Language: English
Subfield: Nephrology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,069
Funder: Berner Fachhochschule
OpenAlex ID: W4405281718