The Impact of the Advancing American Kidney Health Initiative on Search Patterns of Home Dialysis Options

R I Med J (2013). 2025 Jan 2;108(1):39-43.

Abstract

The 2019 Advancing American Kidney Health (AAKH) initiative aims to increase utilization of home dialysis for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), but its impact on public awareness is unknown. We analyzed Google Trends data from 2013-2021 to compare relative search volumes for "home dialysis", "peritoneal dialysis", and "home hemodialysis" in the United States (US) versus globally before versus after the July 2019 AAKH announcement. An interrupted time-series analysis found steady pre-AAKH increases in search interest across terms and locations. An immediate increase after AAKH occurred for all searches, greatest for home dialysis (+5.93 US, +11.2 global), but post-AAKH trends were flat or declining. Differences between US and global trends were not statistically significant. Despite goals to increase home dialysis use, AAKH has not impacted public information-seeking behaviors. Targeted patient education initiatives may be needed to increase awareness of home dialysis options.

MeSH terms

  • Hemodialysis, Home* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Information Seeking Behavior
  • Interrupted Time Series Analysis
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic* / therapy
  • Peritoneal Dialysis
  • Search Engine
  • United States