Peer-review started: July 23, 2020
First decision: October 21, 2020
Revised: October 26, 2020
Accepted: November 4, 2020
Article in press: November 4, 2020
Published online: November 29, 2020
Processing time: 125 Days and 7.8 Hours
Coronavirus disease 2019 has spread across the world and has been classified as a pandemic. It has overwhelmed the healthcare systems. Specifically, it has overstretched the intensive care units and renal replacement therapy services in many countries. In this paper, we discuss the reconfiguration of nephrology services in the State of Qatar during the current pandemic. We highlight the key strategies that have been implemented to ensure that renal replacement therapy capacity is not constrained in either the intensive care or ambulatory setting. Some innovative approaches for the safe delivery of ambulatory care to dialysis and kidney transplant patients are also discussed.
Core Tip: Although the impact of the pandemic and the healthcare models differ across countries, pandemic preparedness planning is vital to improve the effectiveness of a country’s response to the pandemic. Renal replacement therapy is a lifesaving treatment, and it is imperative that healthcare systems invest in technical infrastructure, staff, and supplies to provide efficient critical care nephrology services in the setting of a pandemic.