Optimizing dialysis modality choices around the world: a review of literature concerning the role of enhanced early pre-ESRD education in choice of renal replacement therapy modality.

This article presents recent studies on factors affecting choice of self-care dialysis from around the world, denoting the relationship between early pre-end stage renal disease (ESRD) education and increased selection of self-care dialysis modalities. Style and content of various pre-ESRD education programs, barriers to early pre-ESRD education, and programs designed to decrease late referral are discussed. Economic factors favoring referral to incenter hemodialysis despite the lower cost of self-care dialysis are reviewed.