Comparison of the 2013 and 2019 Nationwide Surveys on the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease by General Practitioners in Japan

Abstract

In 2019, the Japan Physicians Association conducted a second nationwide survey on the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among the Japanese general practitioners (GPs). We aimed to clarify the changes in the state of CKD medical care by GPs since the 2013 survey. The 2013 and 2019 surveys included 2214 and 601 GPs, respectively, who voluntarily participated. The two surveys were compared, using propensity score matching to balance the background of the responded GPs. For the medical care of CKD, the frequency of urine or blood examination, use of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) value for CKD management, and continuous use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors for their reno-protective effects were significantly higher in 2019 than in 2013 (all: p p < 0.001). The two surveys confirmed improvements in the level of medical care for CKD and a strengthening in cooperation. However, the dissatisfaction with the consultation with nephrologists did not necessarily improve.

Keywords

• chronic kidney disease
• general practitioner
• questionnaire
• survey
• guidelines