Abstract: SA-PO929
CKD Patient and Provider Feedback Surrounding Dialysis Modality Education
Session Information
- Educational Research
November 04, 2017 | Location: Hall H, Morial Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Category: Nephrology Education
- 1301 Educational Research
Authors
- Corapi, Kristin M., Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Sorat, Warissara, university of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
- Bhan, Ishir, None, West Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Background
Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis impact patients' lifestyles. In an effort to help patients make an informed choice, the nephrology community is encouraged to provide education about dialysis options. At our hospital, this involves a one on one visit with a nurse educator. In the current project, we talked with patients and providers to get feedback on our dialysis education.
Methods
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4/5 and providers were invited for semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Qualitative content analysis was conducted by two staff members using NVivo 11. Basic demographics were collected.
Results
The mean age of the ten CKD patients enrolled was 62 years (SD = 9.4). 60% were female and 40% were Caucasian. 40% were not educated beyond high school and 60% reported an annual income of < $20,000. The providers interviewed (n=11) were 5 MD’s, 4 RN’s, 1 social worker, and 1 one dietician. The mean age of providers was 49 years (SD= 13.1) with an average of 18 years in practice (SD = 9.1). 64% were Caucasian and 64% were female.
Following the visit, half of the patients reported feeling scared, confused or disappointed to learn they might need dialysis. Similarly, staff depicted patients as in denial, resigned, overwhelmed, and stressed.
The majority of patients felt that the single visit provided all of the information needed to choose a modality. The remaining patients (n=4) asked for additional information about diet, lifestyle changes, and how to slow further CKD progression. Staff agreed that diet and lifestyle changes are difficult for patients to understand and might be topics that would benefit from more explanation. Patients recommended the use of videos, written material, emails, and talking to peers as strategies to help improve their understanding. Staff agreed that the addition of a patient network would be beneficial. Staff also suggested having more than one visit, group classes, multi-disciplinary involvement, and introducing dialysis earlier in the CKD trajectory would help patients choose a dialysis modality.
Conclusion
The referral to dialysis education is stressful to patients as they begin to accept the severity of their disease. Employing various educational styles, venues, and peer support may help ease these emotions and help patients to choose the modality best for them.
Funding
- Commercial Support –