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Patient knowledge and interest on dialysis efficiency: a survey
G B Piccoli1, E Mezza, A Pacitti
1Cattedra di Nefrologia, University of Torino, Italy. gbpiccoli@hotmail.com
The International Journal of Artificial Organs
|March 22, 2002
Summary
Patients on dialysis need and want to understand dialysis efficiency. A cartoon book improved understanding and led to increased dialysis time, showing educational tools are effective.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Medical Education
- Patient Adherence
Background:
- Therapeutic compliance is crucial for patients undergoing dialysis.
- Understanding dialysis therapy is essential for patient adherence.
- A study assessed patient need and interest in information regarding dialysis efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient knowledge and interest in dialysis efficiency.
- To develop and assess a patient-friendly educational tool on dialysis efficiency.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 72 hemodialysis patients to gauge knowledge and interest.
- A cartoon book explaining dialysis efficiency was created based on patient feedback.
- Patient opinions on the educational book were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Most patients (79.4%) had basic knowledge of blood tests, but only 30.1% understood their specific meaning.
- All surveyed patients expressed a desire for more information, preferring books.
- The "Kt/V as cartoon" book was well-received, with 93% rating it good to very good, and 71.2% reading it.
- In a unit with flexible schedules, 22/42 patients extended their dialysis duration.
Conclusions:
- Patients demonstrate a significant interest in understanding dialysis efficiency, despite knowledge gaps.
- A feasible educational program using accessible tools like cartoon books can be implemented.
- Such programs can yield practical benefits, including patients voluntarily increasing dialysis time.