Clinical review of dialysis patients originating in the Kimberley region

Over the past 20 years an epidemic of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has occurred among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote areas of Australia. The Kimberley Satellite Dialysis Centre (KSDC) was established in October 2002 in recognition of the growing need for dialysis in the Kimberley and after requests from patients to be able to dialyse in the region. Prior to this patients requiring haemodialysis either relocated to Perth for treatment or stayed at home to die.

Most reports on kidney disease in the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in scientific journals describe the progression of kidney disease and treatment options prior to dialysis. There are very few published reports on health outcomes, including survival times for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients on dialysis.

The aims of this study are:

• To determine the future need for dialysis in the Kimberley
• To undertake a clinical audit of the implementation of best-practice guidelines for Kimberley clients with proteinuria and chronic kidney disease
• To determine the outcomes of haemodialysis and peritoneal patients in the Kimberley

Researchers:

• Assoc Prof Julia Marley
  
• Assoc Prof David Atkinson
• Dr Sarah Moore
  
• Ryan Atkinson, Advanced Medical Science Student, University of Melbourne
  
• Hannah Dent
  
• Dr Cherelle Fitzclarence
  
• Dr Carmel Nelson
  
• Karen Siu
  
• Dr Kevin Warr
  
• Maree Wearne