Table 2 The top 10 dialysis research priorities [8]

1. What is the best way of informing patients with kidney failure about the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of dialysis; and how can we ensure that people get the right information, at the right time, and in the right way to ensure informed decision-making?; How can communication between patients with kidney failure and health care providers be improved, and does enhanced communication (including providing test results) increase patients’ ability to participate in the management of their condition?

2. How do the different dialysis modalities compare with one another in terms of their impact on quality of life and mortality, and are there specific patient factors that make one modality better for some patients with kidney failure than others?; How can hemodialysis be tailored to a patient [in terms of: length, frequency, location and schedule (e.g. day/night-time)] to enhance effectiveness and quality of life?

3. What are the causes and effective treatment(s) of, and ways to prevent, itching in dialysis patients?

4. What is the best strategy to increase kidney transplantation; including access to transplantation, increasing the efficiency of the recipient workup, and increasing the availability of donor kidneys?

5. What is the psychological and social impact of kidney failure on patients, their family, and other caregivers, and can this be reduced?

6. What are the best ways to promote heart health in dialysis patients, including management of blood pressure?

7. For people with kidney failure, what is the impact of each of the dietary restrictions (sodium, potassium, phosphate) separately, and when taken in combination, on important outcomes including quality of life?

8. What are the best ways to manage or prevent complications that occur during or shortly after the hemodialysis treatment itself (i.e. low blood pressure, cramping, nausea, headaches)?

9. What are the causes and effective treatment(s) of depression in dialysis patients?

10. What is the best type of access (among both new and existing varieties) for people on hemodialysis?