Experiences with establishing the first self-care hemodialysis program in a hospital in mainland China

There has never been a home hemodialysis (HHD) program or self-care hemodialysis (SC-HD) program in Mainland China, and it may be plausible starting from an SC-HD program. This study describes the systems for, and the initial results of, starting an SC-HD program. A program for SC-HD was instituted at the Peking University Third Hospital. A working group had designed the patient education program and water quality assurance. The patient's education program was established, which consisted of a handbook and a video for training. In May 2009, two patients were recruited and trained for HD. They were adequately dialyzed with satisfactory Kt/V, both the patients could perform all of the self-care procedures after training for 12 weeks. More difficult procedures, such as the self-cannulation, were successfully handled. Significant improvement was found in six of the eight short form (SF)-36 health scales after 6 months for SC-HD treatment. For the past year, there were no severe complications resulting from SC-HD. In summary, our first SC-HD program in Mainland China is feasible and safe. It promotes rehabilitation, increases self-esteem, and improves health-related quality of life. It is also a first attempt for starting an HHD program.