Partnering with patients to improve peritonitis rates

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) peritoneal dialysis (PD) service manages approximately 100 patients.
• Peritonitis infection rates are regularly analyzed to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• LHSC's peritonitis rate declined significantly between 2006 (1:31) and 2007 (1:27), falling below the Canadian benchmark of 1:30.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the declining peritonitis infection rates in the LHSC peritoneal dialysis service.
• To implement an intervention strategy based on established chronic disease care and patient-provider partnership models.
• To improve and maintain acceptable peritonitis rates within the PD service.

Main Methods:

• The study utilized E. Wagner's chronic disease care model and P. McGowan's patient-provider partnerships theory.
• An intervention plan was developed and implemented to address the rising peritonitis rates.
• Peritonitis rates were monitored before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• A significant improvement in the peritonitis infection rate was observed in 2008.
• Acceptable peritonitis rates, meeting or exceeding the Canadian benchmark, were maintained through 2009.
• The intervention effectively reversed the previous downward trend in infection control.

Conclusions:

• The implemented intervention, guided by chronic disease care and patient-provider partnership principles, was successful.
• The strategy effectively improved peritonitis rates in the peritoneal dialysis service.
• Sustained acceptable infection rates were achieved, demonstrating the efficacy of the intervention.