The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) is an on-going observational study of haemodialysis patients in twelve countries, seeking to identify dialysis practices that contribute to improved mortality rates, hospitalisation rates, health related quality of life, and vascular access outcomes.
The DOPPS is coordinated by research scientists and staff of the Arbor Research and is supported by scientific grants from Amgen and Kirin.

The Project is managed by a Project Manager who works closely with Arbor Research and with the lead Clinical Research Associates appointed to lead the data collection process in each country. The lead CRA`s are checking all submitted data of completeness and passing then the data to Arbor Research. EDTNA/ERCA volunteers have taken on the role of Clinical Research Associates (CRA’s) and co-ordinate the data collection with six European countries.

DOPPSIII Participating Countries

The participating dialysis units are selected randomly so as to reflect the country profile of dialysis patients and the patients in each unit are also selected randomly. In Europe, the task of facilitating and coordinating the data collection is managed by EDTNA/ERCA volunteers. In each participating country there is an EDTNA/ERCA Clinical Research Associate who is responsible for liaising with and supporting the staff at the dialysis units. In each participating dialysis unit there is a Study Coordinator who is responsible for the actual data collection. The Study Coordinators work closely with the Medical Directors of their units who in turn liaise with the Country Investigator who is the leader of the research project in the country.

In each of the selected units, the Study Coordinator records a census of all patients undergoing treatment. About 20 of the patients are then selected for follow up with all aspects of their treatment being recorded on a regular basis. The data includes details of medication, access and dialysis given. At regular intervals the patients are asked to complete their own assessment of the treatment they have received and of their state of health. The Medical Directors, too, complete regular reports on the patients under observation. All this data is collated and consolidated by Arbor Research for study and analysis. Some of the findings of such analysis can be seen on the Arbor Research web site.

EDTNA/ ERCA’s Participation in the DOPPS III Project

The project contracted by EDTNA/ERCA is to manage the collection of observational data from some 20 dialysis facilities in seven European countries. The role of EDTNA/ERCA is to work with the study coordinator in each facility and, where necessary, with the Medical Officer in charge to ensure the timely and accurate submission of data. The data is processed in the USA as part of a worldwide study by Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, the former University Renal Research and Education Association (URREA).

The two previous rounds of this research have produced some very useful data about the effectiveness of dialysis and treatment procedures. This third round (DOPPS III) is more extensive in its coverage and seeks more data than its predecessors.

Meetings and Workshops

• Project Status (Summer 2006)
• DOPPS Symposium (9 September 2006)
• Milan Nephrology Conference (7-9 December 2006)
• Meeting of UK Study Coordinators (30 November 2006)
• Vascular Access Workshops conducted in Germany (2006)

For more information about DOPPS, please visit www.dopps.org or contact David Ashwanden, Project Manager.