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The elderly on dialysis: some considerations in compliance.
P M McKevitt1, J F Jones, D A Lane
1Department of Clinical Social Work, Chromalloy American Kidney Center, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Summary
Elderly patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) generally show good compliance with dialysis treatments, though fluid restrictions remain a challenge. This demographic is growing and becoming more diverse.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Geriatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD) management requires strict adherence to complex treatment regimens.
- The elderly population with ESRD is increasing, necessitating a focus on their unique compliance challenges.
- Existing literature suggests age may correlate with improved adherence, and social support significantly impacts compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current status and needs of elderly patients undergoing dialysis.
- To replicate a previous study on elderly ESRD patient compliance to identify changes over time.
- To examine sociodemographic factors, treatment compliance, and functional capacity in older dialysis patients.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 84 patients aged 60 and over with at least 6 months of dialysis.
- Collection of sociodemographic, treatment, compliance, and functional capacity data.
- Inclusion of optional mental and psychological testing for willing participants.
Main Results:
- The current elderly dialysis population is larger and older than 5 years ago.
- This population is increasingly female, black, and socioeconomically disadvantaged.
- High compliance with serum potassium, fair to good with phosphorus, and fair to poor with fluid restrictions was observed.
Conclusions:
- Elderly ESRD patients demonstrate generally good adherence to dialysis treatments.
- Fluid restrictions present a significant compliance barrier for this growing demographic.
- The evolving sociodemographic profile of elderly dialysis patients requires tailored care strategies.