Abstract: PO0829
Implementing a Patient-Centric Educational Handout to Provide the Knowledge of Kidney Disease and Dialysis, Promote Self-Care, and Improve Quality of Life in Patients Starting Hemodialysis
Session Information
- Dialysis Care: Epidemiology and the Patient Experience
November 04, 2021 | Location: On-Demand, Virtual Only
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 701 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- Griffiths, Jennifer, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, United States
- Shivaraj, Kiran, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, United States
- Kore, Shruti, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, United States
- Klein, Michael D., Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, United States
- Chugh, Savneek S., Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, United States
Background
In the United States about 700,000 people need hemodialysis with most of them starting in the hospital. While patients on hemodialysis account for only 1% of Medicare beneficiaries, they account for 7% of total Medicare spending. While the cost of care is high amongst dialysis patient, the morbidity and mortality remain elevated with majority of deaths in the first 90 days of the start of dialysis. Studies has shown, lack of education in these patients about their treatments, dietary modification, fluid intake and vascular access. Early educational intervention of dialysis patient results in reduce re-hospitalizations and 90 days mortality in this vulnerable population
Methods
Extensive Pubmed search was performed to identify a validated clinical tool which will assess the pre-existing knowledge and post-interventional knowledge. Chronic Hemodialysis Knowledge Survey (CHeKS) was identified as a pre-test and post-test questionnaire to assess the efficacy of the project. CHeKS was distributed to 10 new-start hemodialysis patients admitted at Westchester Medical Center. An evidence based educational handoff was prepared and provided both verbally and in written on 10 new-start hemodialysis patients. Educational material were given to read independently as well. As post-test was performed couple of days later or at the time of discharge using the same CHeKS questionnaire. The mean and median pre-test and post-test scores were analyzed and efficacy of educational intervention was analyzed.
Results
The initial pre-test educational questionnaire on 10 patients showed a median score of 38.4% (5 out of 13 correct) and a mean score of 43.79%.
The post-test score showed a median score of 92.3% (12 out of 13 correct) or a mean score of 90.9%.These results showed a 51.8% increase in educational score after the intervention was performed. Highest increase in patient’s knowledge were related to renal diet and fluid restrictions.
Conclusion
This study showed that the institution of structured educational activity can result in higher knowledge in dialysis patients, leads to better adherence to dialysis prescription and dietary recommendations. This along with limiting excessive fluid intake can result in reduce re-hospitalization and better self-care.