Preparedness gaps in information continuity for inter-facility hemodialysis transfer during disasters: findings from patients and professionals in a multi-prefecture survey in Japan

Disasters disrupt hemodialysis by damaging infrastructure, reducing treatment capacity, and interrupting the exchange of essential clinical information between facilities and patients. To support safe inter-facility hemodialysis transfer, both a predefined minimum dataset and reliable communication pathways are needed. This study examined gaps in preparedness for information continuity during disaster-related hemodialysis transfer and identified practical requirements for safer continuity of care. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of healthcare professionals and hemodialysis patients in three Japanese prefectures with different disaster experiences and information-sharing environments. The survey assessed transfer preparedness, required information during disasters, agreement on a practical minimum dataset, expected communication channels, and views on broader information-sharing infrastructure. Responses were obtained from 778 healthcare professionals and 909 patients. Patients prioritized accurate transfer of routine dialysis conditions, whereas professionals emphasized safety-critical information such as infection status, contraindicated medications, allergies, and prescriptions. Most professionals supported a minimum dataset consisting of three recent dialysis records and three laboratory results. Most patients and professionals also supported integration of dialysis information into national and regional platforms and personal health records. Despite marked differences in disaster experience across prefectures, response patterns were broadly similar for many key items. These findings support standardized, regionally adaptable preparedness for dialysis transfer.