Strategies for enhancing compliance in the dialysis elderly

Noncompliance must be viewed as a symptom of another problem or problems. Treatment plans should be developed based on an individualized assessment of the patient's physiologic functioning and psychosocial situation. It must be determined whether the patient is intentionally or unintentionally not complying. Staff must also be aware of how they impact compliance. While staff have a responsibility to maximize the individual's efforts to comply, it must be realized that the ultimate decision and responsibility rests with the patient.