The DOPPS is a prospective cohort study of hemodialysis practices based on the collection of observational longitudinal data for a random sample of patients from a representative and random sample of units in 12 countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Data collection for the study has been on-going since 1996 and has yielded detailed data on more than 38,000 patients in over 900 dialysis facilities.

DOPPS investigations focus on determining which dialysis practices are associated with the best patient outcomes, with the primary goal of improving patient longevity, quality of life, and other outcomes. With over 75 peer-reviewed publications in print or in press, the DOPPS continues to provide numerous important findings that are relevant for patients and practicing clinicians alike. The DOPPS is supported by research grants from Amgen and Kirin Pharma, without restrictions on publications.

New President Appointed for Arbor Research

Robert M. Merion, M.D. will succeed Friedrich K. Port, M.D. M.S, as the third president of the Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, the organization’s Board of Directors is very pleased to announce. More...

World Congress of Nephrology features DOPPS Symposium and eight abstract presentations in May 2009, Milan, Italy
New research from the DOPPS will be presented during a clinical symposium at WCN 2009, the joint meeting between ERA-EDTA and ISN. The symposium, to be chaired by Dr. Friedrich Port and Dr. Jorge Andia-Cannata, will feature recent results from the DOPPS and Cosmos. Presentations will focus on clinical practice indicators at the dialysis facility level and associated outcomes with consideration of patient mix. Emphasis will be given to the international perspectives of DOPPS. Additionally, eight abstract presentations will be given, on subjects including anemia management, mineral bone disease, and many others. Please see our brochure for further details and a complete listing of DOPPS events occurring at WCN this year.

DOPPS Symposium at the European Dialysis and Transplant Nursing Association (EDTNA) Congress, Sunday, September 6, 2009, Hamburg, Germany
The two-hour symposium is entitled “DOPPS: Recent International Evidence for Best Practices and Outcomes”, and will provide new and unpublished findings from the DOPPS. Potential areas of focus include Nutritional, Cardiovascular Practices, and modifiable practices followed by a panel discussion. The presentations will emphasize DOPPS findings that are relevant to direct patient care, with the goal to improve patient care in hemodialysis units.

Annual Meeting of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) to include DOPPS Symposium on October 30th from 1:30 - 3:30, San Diego, CA
The symposium is entitled “Modifiable hemodialysis practices: latest trends and outcomes from the DOPPS". The session will be chaired by Dr. Bruce Robinson and features an international panel of speakers from DOPPS. The program, which is still under development, will take a critical look at the DOPPS study to present the study’s most recent clinical findings. The program will highlight modifiable practices in areas such as cardiovascular disease, anemia and MBD management. More information will be released as it becomes available.

New research from the DOPPS

The DOPPS has published more than 60 papers in peer-reviewed medical journals, as well as numerous articles in textbooks and other forums. See our Publications section for detail on the full range of DOPPS publications.