The dialysis outcomes and practice patterns study (DOPPS): How can we improve the care of hemodialysis patients?

Outcomes among dialysis patients vary considerably internationally and acro ss regions within the United States. The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Pat terns Study (DOPPS) is a large, prospective, observational study of represe ntative samples of hemodialysis patients in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The DOPPS collects a weal th of data regarding the patients' demographic characteristics, medical his tories, laboratory values, prescriptions, dialysis unit practices, and outc omes. The study seeks to clarify which dialysis practices contribute to imp roved mortality rates, hospitalization rates, health related quality of lif e, and vascular access outcomes, after adjusting for the effects of comorbi d disease and demographic variables. Over 18,000 patients have been enrolle d to date. This paper describes the initial findings and outlines the plans to expand the trial.