Association between English Proficiency and Kidney Disease Knowledge and Communication Quality among Patients with ESKD

What is it about?

End stage kidney disease (ESKD) is a chronic health condition for which communication between health care teams and patients is important to guide patient self-management activities. Little is known about quality of communication among patients with ESKD and their care team members, particularly among those with limited English proficiency. Using a survey administered between July 2022 and February 2023, we ascertained kidney disease knowledge and perceptions of communication quality with dialysis care team members among English-proficient and limited English-proficient adults receiving dialysis care in a public health care delivery system. Only one-half of patients knew the cause of their kidney failure, which did not differ by English proficiency status. Patients with limited English proficiency reported poor communication with the dialysis care team (less listening, fewer clear explanations, less time spent). Tailored, patient centered communication strategies are needed for limited English proficient patients with ESKD.

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