Table 3.
Variations in transfusion beliefs by provider characteristics
| Transfusion Belief | Nephrologist Versus Non-Nephrologist | Men Versus Women | Lower Versus Higher Dialysis Patient Exposure (<20 Versus ≥20 mo) | Lower Versus Higher Years in Practice (<20 Versus ≥20) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfusions are generally overused in CKD patients | 40% versus 51% | 40% versus 44% | 39% versus 51% | 41% versus 41% |
| Transfusions should be reserved for patients with chronic hyporesponsiveness to ESAs | 67% versus 62% | 66% versus 68% | 67% versus 65% | 69% versus 62% |
| Dialysis modality influences my transfusion decisions | 29% versus 29% | 30% versus 25% | 29% versus 29% | 25% versus 35% |
| Patient transplant eligibility influences my decision to transfuse | 56% versus 20%a | 52% versus 49% | 56% versus 34%b | 58% versus 43%c |
| Transfusions are not cost-effective in dialysis patients | 40% versus 18%d | 37% versus 36% | 39% versus 29% | 36% versus 37% |
Data reflect percentages of providers agreeing to each transfusion belief stratified by provider subgroup (agreement equals mostly agree or completely agree with statement). Significant differences are marked by superscripts, with related odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) listed. ESA, erythropoiesis-stimulating agent.
a
OR, 5.2; 95% CI, 2.4 to 11.1.
b
OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4 to 4.3.
c
OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.8.
d
OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.4 to 6.8.