DIALYSIS SERVICES FOR TOURISTS TO THE VENETO REGION: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

SUMMARY Background The European Union has an established mechanism which enables patients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) to receive dialysis abroad, allowing them to benefit from the legal right to freedom of movement. The number of patients seeking dialysis abroad has increased in recent years and the Veneto Region of Italy, a major tourist destination, has made significant investment in providing tourist haemodialysis services. Aims To understand the issues involved in providing dialysis services for tourists moving within the European Union, such as the experience of patients using the service, the challenges faced by professionals and patients and continuity of care. Design Semi‐structured interviews. Participants Interviews were conducted with patients, health professionals and key stakeholders in two dialysis centres set up for tourists in the Veneto Region's Local Health Authority 10. Results The study uncovered high levels of patient satisfaction and a positive impact on patients' quality of life. However, the service faces a number of challenges relating to accessibility, language barriers and continuity of care for the patient when leaving Veneto. The study also demonstrates the importance of coordinating care prior to the tourists' stay. Conclusions Tourist dialysis centres are necessary to make the right to freedom of movement for patients with ESKD a reality. The findings suggest that communicating and coordinating high‐quality care across borders in the EU may be facilitated by increased standardisation of norms and documents for continuity of care, such as care plans and discharge summaries.