The Central Australia Renal Study was undertaken against the following background:
- Increasing numbers of Aboriginal people in the Central Australia (CA) region requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT), predominantly in Alice Springs.
- Recognition of the lack of culturally appropriate service options and, in particular, service options allowing treatment as close to home as possible.
- Recognition that treatment may require relocation and, where it does, support needs to be provided for patients and families.
- Concerns about the negative impact of a lack of culturally appropriate service options on treatment uptake.
The Australian, Northern Territory, South Australian and Western Australian Governments agreed the Terms of Reference for the Study.