Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis Implementation: A Pilot Program From a Large Dialysis Unit in Quebec.

Background: Kidney failure prevalence is increasing in older patients for whom dialysis initiation can be challenging. Assisted peritoneal dialysis (PD), where PD is performed with the help of a healthcare worker, can facilitate PD for frailer patients who may not be candidate otherwise. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing the first pilot assisted PD program in Quebec (Canada) and to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of the PD cohort before and after assisted PD availability. Design: Observational retrospective cohort study. Setting and Population: All adult patients initiating PD between 2015 and 2020 in a single-center dialysis unit were included. Measurements: Incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of patients with PD were compared between (1) the "pre" (2015-2017) and the "post" assisted PD era (2018-2020) and (2) patients with assisted PD and independent PD in the more recent period. Methods: The primary outcome was peritonitis rate over the first year. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization, transfers to in-center hemodialysis (HD) and mortality. Results: Overall, 124 patients initiated PD with an annual incidence of 17 ± 3 patients during the "pre" and 24 ± 8 patients during the "post" assisted PD era ( Limitations: Single-center study with small sample size. Conclusion: This study shows the feasibility of implementing an assisted PD program, with favorable overall outcomes including similar rates of peritonitis during the first year after PD initiation.