Statistic-based analysis of the basic components in the Nephrologists' evaluations of the causes of the scarce use of peritoneal dialysis (PD)

Abstract

We identified the common, or at least similar, argumentations among the different comments of the Nephrologists attending the discussion regarding the scarce use of PD; we then determined the basic items and assigned an arbitrary score (from 0 to 2) for each single author mentioning that item. The sum of all scores for each item gave the final item score, expressed as percentage of the general score of all the items. Two classifications were then obtained from this analysis: the first according to all the 13 items, and the second according to a logical association among the items. In both classifications the item with the lowest score is due to a postulated lack of need of PD in Italy. The two classifications present a differ item with the greatest score: in the first classification it refers to a responsibility of the Nephrologists themselves for different reasons, while in the second classification it refers to a clear responsibility of the State. Significant scores resulted from insufficient formation and knowledge of the Nephrologists, as well as from the involvement of the private sector in dialysis treatment.