Abstract: FR-PO797
Developing an Organized Approach to Symptom Screening, Assessment, and Management for Hemodialysis Patients in Ontario: A Pilot Project
Session Information
- Standard Hemodialysis for ESRD - II
November 03, 2017 | Location: Hall H, Morial Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Category: Dialysis
- 601 Standard Hemodialysis for ESRD
Authors
- Glazer, Alysha, Ontario Renal Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- MacKinnon, Marnie, Ontario Renal Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Heale, Esti, Ontario Renal Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Moolji, Carey, Ontario Renal Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Blake, Peter G., London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Walsh, Michael, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Background
People living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requiring dialysis experience a high degree of symptom burden. Symptom assessment, particularly the assessment of chronic symptoms, is not typically done systematically as routine care which may result in a care gap. A provincial approach to routine symptom assessment that can be customized by renal programs may provide an opportunity to improve patient-provider communication and patient experience with dialysis care.To improve the experience of people treated with in-facility hemodialysis and their care team by providing an organized approach to routine symptom screening, assessment, and management.
Methods
Eight Regional Renal Programs in Ontario were selected to participate in a one year pilot project. Participating Programs will routinely assess patients undergoing in-facility hemodialysis with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale Revised – Renal (ESAS-r:Renal), a self-reported symptom questionnaire. The project is being developed by a Task Group with multi-institutional and multi-sectoral representation utilizing a co-design model that engages patients, healthcare providers, and administrators in project planning and development.
Results
Each pilot site has developed a new clinical workflow that includes symptom screening, assessment, and management every four to six weeks. Healthcare providers will be educated on symptom assessment and management through a train-the-trainer approach and the use of evidence-based clinical symptom management guides. Patients will also be educated about the project and use of the screening tool through various resources, including one-on-one education from the care team. Finally, an extensive evaluation framework was developed to guide the evaluation of the pilot project.
Conclusion
This pilot project will help determine the feasibility of a provincial approach to symptom screening, assessment, and management in Ontario. Furthermore, the project will increase awareness of CKD patient symptom burden.
Funding
- Government Support - Non-U.S.