Implementing Fluid Education and Adherence with Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Outpatient hemodialysis (HD) requires patient compliance and adherence to their prescribed treatment, including fluid and dietary restrictions. Without compliance and adherence, patients are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Regardless, hemodialysis patients continue to struggle with compliance and continue to have increased hospitalizations and mortality. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to examine whether individualized education on the importance of fluid and dietary restrictions is done with hemodialysis patients will increase compliance. Methods: An educational intervention was done with hemodialysis patients who were given a pre-assessment questionnaire to assess baseline knowledge before education. After education, a post-assessment questionnaire was completed to assess if the individualized education increased their knowledge. Implementation Plan: Implementation of this project included pre-and post-assessment of hemodialysis patients' knowledge of fluid and dietary restrictions. Comparison or patients' pre and post-intervention fluid weight gain was assessed, documented, and compared. The findings were shared with the dialysis unit staff and patients. Conclusions: The post-assessment showed that there was an increase of knowledge among patients who participated. There, was no significant correlation between understanding of fluid gain and patients' demographics. Patients' who adhered to their fluid restrictions had decreased fluid weight gain between their treatments and reported feeling better overall. As with some hemodialysis patients, there were outlying factors that went beyond the control of the patient, including family involvement, living environment, and multiple chronic diseases which had conflicting dietary needs.

Creator

• McDougal, Renée

Language

• English

Keyword

• hemodialysis
• fluid restrictions
• hemodialysis education
• Chronic renal failure

Date created

• 2019

Source

• dnp6

Rights statement

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/