Abstract
The Thai Peritoneal Dialysis First Policy (PD First Policy) has improved
survival of end-stage renal disease patients since 2008. However, evidence on patients’ attitudes toward
the policy and the accessibility to kidney transplantation (KT) has been lacking. This study aims to assess
PD care satisfaction and KT attitude among continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients under the
Thai PD First Policy. Methodology: A telephone questionnaire survey asking demographic data, general
opinion on PD First Policy, PD treatment satisfaction, and KT knowledge and attitude was conducted in
April 2018 among 114 randomly selected PD patients from PD centers in Chanthaburi. Results: The mean
age of PD patients was 54.21 years, and their duration of peritoneal dialysis was 3.42 years on average.
Majority of them were satisfied (79.8%) and very satisfied (4.4%) whereas only 2.6% expressed their
dissatisfaction. One hundred and six patients (93.0%) agreed with PD First Policy, of which 65.1% stated
that this policy had saved their expenses. Of the total 114 patients, only 24.6% had KT knowledge but
73.7% would like to undergo KT. The main motivation for KT was the increased chance of returning to
work and contribute to family (88.7%). Conclusions: The Thai PD First Policy has been well received.
The perceived need for KT was high. A good strategic plan to improve knowledge on and access to KT
is required.
