Smyth, Wendy, Hartig, Vicki, Burrows, Amy, Quayle, Kimberley, Hayes, Megan, and Manickam, Valli (2014) Adherence to haemodialysis regimens: how big is the problem and what can we do to make it easier? Annals of the Australasian College of Tropical Medicine, 15 (3). p. 61.

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Abstract

Background/Aims: Patients who require haemodialysis for end-stage renal disease are advised to make substantial lifestyle modifications. These include attending the renal unit for dialysis, usually three times per week, and minimising weight gain associated with fluid allowances between dialysis sessions. The aim of this study is to measure adherence to haemodialysis regimens as measured by attendance at scheduled sessions and average weight gain between dialysis sessions.

Methods: Retrospective chart audit of a cohort of patients (n=72) attending an in-centre North Queensland renal unit having dialysis via an arteriovenous fistula, graft or central venous catheter over a 12-week period in 2013. Results: Ninety per cent (90%) of the 2405 scheduled sessions were attended: 41 (56.9%) patients attended all their scheduled sessions. The median number of missed sessions was 6.5. Non-Aboriginal and/or non-Torres Strait Islander people, those who did not have to relocate to the regional city, older people and those on a twice-weekly schedule were more likely to attend. The mean daily weight gain was 0.885kg. The largest mean daily weight gain, over the period, was 1.017 kg/day. Patients 60 years or older were more likely to comply with fluid restrictions.

Conclusion: Non-attendance at this unit is much higher than noted in the international literature. If a patient is not attending all scheduled dialysis sessions, their poor health status may deteriorate further. The renal service is considering additional strategies that will assist patients to adhere to their regimens. In doing so, they will improve outcomes for individual patients and better manage healthcare resources.

Item ID:	35907
Item Type:	Article (Abstract)
ISSN:	1448-4706
Related URLs:	Publisher
Date Deposited:	29 Oct 2014 04:44
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1110 Nursing > 111099 Nursing not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920210 Nursing @ 100%
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