Collaboration between Dialysis Providers

Abstract

The first reported death in the United States from COVID-19 on February 29, 2020 was a patient receiving maintenance dialysis. Since then, COVID-19 has affected all patients receiving maintenance dialysis in this country, by direct illness or changes to the system. 1 Patients with ESKD have four-fold higher exposure to SARS-CoV-2 than the general population 2 and 3-4X more infections, but severe illness, defined by need for hospitalization, is up to 10X higher and mortality from COVID-19 is 20%-30% higher. Mortality rates in patients with ESKD in the US rose by 15%-20% in 2020 3 compared with similar periods in 2017 through 2019. Mortality from COVID-19 was also high in patients with functioning kidney transplants (16% of deaths in 2020), a 20% increase in mortality from 2018 and 2019. 4 SHARING: INFORMATION, SUPPLIES, AND CAMARADERIE

Some Lessons Learned for Kidney Failure Patients in the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…One great success was the collaboration of dialysis organizations, the White House, CDC, and ASN to deliver vaccines directly to dialysis facilities-a project that increased vaccination rates for US dialysis patients and staff. 7 However, many months went by after vaccines were available before this system was operational. Similarly, communication between the kidney community and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response was very helpful and may have been improved if such communication was anticipated in advance and engaged sooner.…”

Response to COVID-19: The Outpatient Dialysis Setting

“…This exceptionally successful model leverages patients' thrice weekly treatments at clinics by staff with whom they have a trusting relationship. 10 Lessons learned: The model should be replicated and extended for booster doses and reformulated vaccines to ensure that all patients have equal access.…”

Approaches to Maximize Safety for Patients with Kidney Diseases after the End of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

“…The direct distribution of vaccines to patients in dialysis facilities had a substantial effect on ensuring protection of patients with kidney failure. 3 During the PHE, the Federal Government purchased a supply of vaccines for all Americans, eliminating cost as a barrier to immunization. If the end of the PHE signals that patients must pay for all or part of vaccine's cost, patients with kidney diseases and other vulnerable populations will have new barriers to best care.…”