Abstract: Objective  We conducted a questionnaire survey on the implementation status of renal disease rehabilitation (RR) in hemodialysis centers (HDCs) in the hospitals with different technical levels and located in different economical regions in China.  Methods  The unit self-assessment tool (USAT) was used to evaluate the implementation of RR in HDCs in hospitals. USAT has a total score of 100 points, with each "E" subscale of 20 points.  Results  A total of 225 questionnaires were distributed and 189 valid questionnaires were returned in this study, with a return rate of 84.0%. The surveyed HDCs were mainly public and tertiary general hospitals in China. Most of the hospitals were equipped with rehabilitation department (77.0%), but only a few of HDCs were equipped with rehabilitation treatment room (2.1%) and with rehabilitation-related equipment (12.2%). Among the HDCs surveyed, only 8.5% of the HDCs had a total USAT score of ≥60, while more than 20% had a total score of ≤20. HDCs with rehabilitation equipment had higher USAT scores than those without rehabilitation equipment (Z=-3.249, P=0.001). USAT scores did not achieve statistical significances in HDCs located in different economical regions (χ²=1.129, P=0.770) and between general and specialty hospitals (Z=-0.118, P=0.906), public and private hospitals (Z=-0.063, P=0.950), and HDCs with and without a rehabilitation department (Z=-0.904, P=0.366).  Conclusion  The total USAT score is generally low in HDCs in China, and RR remains at a primary stage in China.

Key words: Renal rehabilitation, Hemodialysis center, Unit self-assessment tool