Home training experience in peritoneal dialysis patients

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Nursing Care
• Patient Rehabilitation

Background:

• The objective of nursing is to enhance health, prevent illness, and optimize physical and social rehabilitation.
• The nurse's role in Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) involves empowering patients in self-care.
• Historical development of home care for PD patients at Hospital Universitario La Paz evolved from problem-driven interventions to structured home training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a nursing project focused on home training and periodic follow-up visits for PD patients.
• To assess the influence of patients' social environment and psychological status on learning and adapting to PD.
• To improve patient outcomes and reduce hospitalizations through enhanced home-based support.

Main Methods:

• A project initiated in 1997 incorporated home training for PD patients for the first time in the unit.
• Periodic follow-up visits were conducted to assess the patient's social environment and psychological status.
• Patient feedback and clinical outcomes, such as peritonitis incidence, were monitored.

Main Results:

• The majority of patients responded very positively to the home training program.
• The nursing team gained valuable insights into patients' psychosocial conditions and family environments.
• A decrease in the incidence of peritonitis was observed following the implementation of the home care project.

Conclusions:

• Home-based nursing training and support are effective in facilitating patient adaptation to Peritoneal Dialysis.
• Understanding the patient's psychosocial context is crucial for successful PD management.
• This approach contributes to improved patient well-being and potentially reduces healthcare utilization.