Independent Dialysis
Chronic Disease Management
BC is the only province in Canada with a provincially coordinated independent dialysis program. This ensures equitable access and standardized processes for all dialysis patients in BC.
Independent dialysis includes:
- Peritoneal dialysis
- Home-based hemodialysis
- “Self care” hemodialysis in a hospital or community dialysis unit
With independent dialysis, treatment programs can be specifically designed for each patient. Most patients are able to dialyze more often or for longer periods of time, which better reflects the function of the kidneys and may result in better health.
Reported health benefits include:
- General feeling of better health and a higher quality of life
- Significant reduction in medication usage
- Relaxation of dietary restrictions for many patients
- Elimination of many of the symptoms experienced on dialysis (such as cramps and low blood pressure)
- Fewer complications that require hospital stays
The benefits go beyond health. With independent dialysis, most patients can create their own dialysis schedule. For home patients, travel time to the dialysis unit is a thing of the past. As well, some patients say they know more about their disease and the treatment as a result of being more directly involved.
This innovative program is not only positive for patients – it will also save the health system precious dollars. Those saved dollars will in turn be used to meet the growing demand for kidney care services in BC.
BCPRA has produced a brochure – Independent Dialysis: Is it an option for you? and two DVDs that provide an overview of patient options. You can order copies of the brochure in English, Punjabi or Chinese online.
The DVDs, "Patient to Patient: Kidney Care in BC (2007)" and "Peritoneal Dialysis Training Video: A step-by-step guide to maintaining your independence (2007)", are both multilingual with English, Punjabi, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Tagalog versions included in each DVD. Videos can be viewed online in English only; or you can order multilingual DVD copies to be sent to you.
To find out more about independent dialysis options in your area, contact your nephrologist or kidney care team. They can guide you through your options so you can make the choice that is best for you and your family.