Khaled Abdel-Kader|Mary Amanda Dew|Mamta Bhatnagar|Christos Argyropoulos|Irina Karpov|Galen E. Switzer|Mark L. Unruh
Numeracy Skills in CKD
Renal Association|University of Pittsburgh|GTx (United States)|University of Pittsburgh|Renal Association|University of Pittsburgh|Renal Association
background objectives healthcare providers communicate risks benefits treatments using frequencies percentages proportions however many patients lack numerical skills needed interpret information accurately make informed choices design setting participants measurements assessed numeracy capacity use comprehend numbers prospective cohort study 187 patients stage 4 5 chronic kidney disease esrd patients completed threeitem numeracy test assessed global mental status cognitive function type hemodialysis access kidney transplant use examined association numeracy healthcare use cognitive sociodemographic variables results 50 patients answered one fewer numeracy questions correctly although african americans p 00001 women p 005 unemployed p 00004 demonstrated lower numeracy skills numeracy deficits prevalent every subgroup analyses adjusted demographics length followup higher numeracy significantly associated receipt transplant active waiting list status numeracy associated dialysis modality hemodialysis vascular access conclusion similar prior findings general population findings indicate poor numeracy skills common patients advanced chronic kidney disease endstage renal disease additional research needed explore whether poor numeracy barrier receipt kidney transplant clinicians caring patients kidney disease consider using tools enhance communication overcome limited numeracy skills