Session: DAC-11-2: Engineering for Sustainable Development

Paper Number: 142286

142286 - Opportunities and Challenges in Expanding Access to Peritoneal Dialysis in Latin America 

Treatment rates for kidney disease vary across Latin America, but the prevalence of treated kidney failure generally lags behind higher income regions. Peritoneal dialysis has the potential to increase treatment access, but research is needed to identify the resources, policies, and technologies required to support sustainable programs. This study aimed to explore existing dialysis service models in Latin America and to identify opportunities and challenges around implementing peritoneal dialysis programs. Data was collected using surveys and open-ended, semi-structured interviews. There were 17 study participants, who were recruited from trainees at a Saving Young Lives peritoneal dialysis workshop. The study was conducted during the workshop in 2022. Interview transcripts were thematically coded to identify main themes. Three main themes emerged: (i.) existing kidney treatment service models vary across Latin America; (ii.) many current barriers contribute to subpar kidney treatment, including cost, geography, sourcing, and staffing barriers; and (iii.) there is a desire to expand peritoneal dialysis programs, but there are concerns around supply sourcing, staff and training, and infection risks. While patients in some parts of Latin America can all access adequate care, there are many dialysis programs with inadequate capacity and funding. To expand peritoneal dialysis services, improvements are needed in supply chain reliability, affordability, training, and referral systems.

Presenting Author: Carolyn Bernemann University of Minnesota

Presenting Author Biography: Carolyn Bernemann is a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota.
She received her undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University in 2021 and is an NSF Graduate Research Fellow. Her interests include medical device design, engineering global development, and design ethnography. Her current research focuses on the development of technology for decentralized peritoneal dialysis fluid compounding in resource constrained settings.

Authors:

Carolyn Bernemann University of Minnesota
Madeline Koul University of Minnesota
Natasha Wright University of Minnesota