Knowledge and attitude of patients on dialysis towards Holiday haemodialysis facilities and red kidney bus: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey study in an Indian setup.

Background- Traveling or going on vacation might cause dialysis patients to miss their dialysis schedules, thus adversely affecting their health. Hence, facilities must help dialysis patients access information regarding dialysis centres in other places. This study would help in understanding the problems faced regarding travel and dialysis centre accessibility and determine the needs of dialysis patients to travel or to go on vacation/family functions/business meetings. Methods- We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey in which all patients on dialysis who met our inclusion criteria were enrolled. The required data was collected using a self-developed questionnaire. Frequency was used for categorical variables and mean standard deviation/ Median and IQR were used to calculate continuous variables. The chi-square test was used to check patients' willingness to utilise Holiday haemodialysis facilities based on their age and duration since they are undergoing dialysis. Results - Most patients (80.95%) had abstained entirely from travelling since the initiation of haemodialysis for multiple reasons. Among the remaining patients who go on vacation, the maximum duration and frequency was three days and 2-3 times a year. This was due to a lack of proper facilities to undergo dialysis at the travel destination. None of the patients in our centre knew about holiday haemodialysis facilities; when explained, many were willing to utilise them. Their willingness was dependent on their age group as well as the duration since they were undergoing dialysis. Conclusion - Holiday haemodialysis facilities should be developed and promoted in India to provide affordable and safe travelling experiences to people undergoing haemodialysis. Tria registration - " This study protocol was reviewed and approved by [Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital institutional Ethics Committee - 2], approval number [ Ethical Approval Number-IEC2:30/2023, dated 27 April 2023 (Appendix 1) ] ."