Abstract: TH-PO209
Assessment of Hemodialysis Patients' Knowledge of Fluid and Blood Pressure Management
Session Information
- Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis - I
November 07, 2019 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 701 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Derk, Gwendolyn, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Bahel, Priyanka, University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign, Naperville, Illinois, United States
- Wilund, Kenneth Robert, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Pai, Amy Barton, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Group or Team Name
- University of Illinois Renal and Cardiovascular Disease Research Lab
Background
Hemodialysis (HD) patients are expected to minimize interdialytic fluid gains and manage their blood pressure (BP) with antihypertensive (AHT) medications. Due to a paucity of data reporting patients’ knowledge and understanding of fluid and BP management, we conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey with retrospective medical record review at three HD clinics in Illinois.
Methods
HD patients were consented and interviewed using a standardized cross-sectional survey consisting of 50 questions on fluid and BP management. Patients were paid $10 for their participation. Six months of retrospective data was collected from medical records.
Results
Ninety-two patients completed the survey, and 38/92 were not aware of the last time their dry weight (DW) was changed. Patients reported their last DW change was made 5.93 +/- 15.3 months ago on average. Of the 54 patients who reported knowing the last time their DW was changed, 31/54 reported it was raised, 17 lowered, and 6 were not sure what changes were made. Medical records indicated that patients were not aware of the majority of DW changes. Over 3 months, DWs were changed an average of 2.54 +/- 2.18 times. Twenty four patients (26%) could not list their current or any previous DWs, while those who listed a DW were on average 3.73 +/- 10.16 kg away from the DW listed within their medical record.
Forty-six patients were currently on 1 or more AHT medications. Of these, the average time since AHT medications were last changed was 15.22 +/- 16.4 months. The majority of patients (78/ 92) patients were interested in (or already) measuring their BP at home. Figure 1 shows how patients rated the likeliness of a direct relationship of their interdialytic fluid gains and BP.
Conclusion
Despite a desire to learn, most HD patients lack an understanding of the basic principles of fluid & BP management. There is a need for a structured education program for those initiating dialysis that encompasses fluid and BP management.
Funding
- Private Foundation Support