Perceived barriers to peritoneal dialysis utilization amongst South Asian nephrologists

Abstract

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a well-established modality for kidney replacement therapy (KRT) globally, offering benefits such as better preservation of residual kidney function, improved quality of life, and reduced resource requirements. Despite these advantages, the global utilization of PD remains suboptimal, particularly in South Asia (SA), where a significant gap in PD delivery exists. This study aims to uncover the perceived barriers hindering PD utilization among nephrologists in SA. This is a cross-sectional survey involving 732 nephrologists from SA region. . The majority of respondents (44.7%) reported initiating less than six PD cases annually, reflecting low PD utilization. Cost and financial reimbursement policies emerged as major barriers, with 44.3% considering PD more expensive than haemodialysis (HD). Accessibility, negative attitudes toward PD, and fear of complications were identified as critical factors influencing PD adoption. The study also highlighted variations in PD costs among SA countries, emphasizing the need for tailored health economic strategies. This analysis provides insights into the multifaceted challenges faced by SA nephrologists in promoting PD and underscores the importance of targeted interventions.