Factors associated with the success of Kidney Clinic operations

Abstract

This study investigates the factors associated with the successful implementation of the “chronic kidney disease clinic (CKD clinic)” in the hospitals and also identify the appropriate implementation models of the “CKD clinic” as the policy guidelines for the provision of effective treatments to patients with chronic kidney disease. The assessment is divided into 3 parts: a) the evaluations of the treatment of chronic kidney disease conducted in 79 hospitals; b) the assessment of behaviors related to food consumption and drug use among 427 chronic kidney disease patients in hospitals; and c) the identification of factors affecting the success of the operation "CKD clinic”. The study was conducted from February to September 2019. Data were analyzed using basic statistical methods and multiple regression analysis. The results show that the CKD clinics with clear treatment plans were associated with the reduction of the stage of the kidney disease among these patients (p-value<0.05). In addition, providing additional services from the regular services provided by the Ministry of Public Health is another option to help patients to reduce the progression of renal insufficiency, such as proactive integration of community services, establishment of Rak tai (kidney care) community or organizing community activities for groups that cannot control estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values. Although most hospitals had policy directions and clear purpose to establish the CKD clinic, 60.8% of them had insufficient budget. Therefore, supporting various resources including budgets along with issuing policies will support the hospitals to operate more efficiently services in the CKD clinics.