Dialysis Organization Online Information on Kidney Failure Treatments: A Content Analysis Using Corpus Linguistics

Abstract

Rationale & ObjectiveDialysis organizations’ websites may influence patient decision making, but the websites have received almost no consideration. We investigated how/whether these websites present all kidney replacement therapy options and how the quality of life of these options is portrayed.Study DesignContent analysis using corpus linguistics (computer-assisted language analysis).SettingWebsite content aimed at patients from the 2 major dialysis organizations’ websites, totaling 226,968 words. The analysis took place from November 12, 2020, to March 30, 2021.Analytical ApproachWe used linguistic software (AntConc) to document the frequencies of words needed to present treatment options and quality of life information.ResultsOver both sites, dialysis mentions outstripped transplantation mentions. Organization A did not appear to reference conservative kidney management. Organization B mentioned dialysis more often than conservative management, at a ratio of 34:1. Organization A did not attribute symptoms to dialysis, whereas organization B had 12 mentions of dialysis-induced symptoms out of 87 total symptom references. Both organizations framed life on dialysis optimistically, suggesting that patients can continue to engage in “work,” “sex,” or “travel”; organization A referenced sex, work, and/or travel 123 times and organization B referenced these 262 times.LimitationsWe used quantitative analysis and linked ideas with certain keywords. We did not conduct a detailed qualitative inquiry.ConclusionsThe websites emphasized dialysis as a treatment for kidney failure, and the quality of life on dialysis was framed very optimistically. Qualitative studies of treatment modalities and the quality of life on dialysis in the patient-targeted material of dialysis organizations are needed.