Training nurses to support greater patient engagement in haemodialysis

Evidence supports the view that people with long term conditions who are encouraged to take a greater interest in their treatment can experience a range of health benefits. Traditionally centre-based haemodialysis patients have been passive recipients whilst nurses have been deliverers of care. The Shared Haemodialysis Care (SHC) programme changes this relationship.

Our aim was to initiate a programme of education in SHC across Yorkshire and Humber in North England, with its objective to support centre-based patients to take on aspects of their own treatment.

A three tiered training model was designed to educate all grades of nursing staff. Central to this approach was the development of a four day competency based course aimed at training 25% of junior sisters/charge nurses, staff nurses and Level 3 health care assistants (unqualified nurses).

We measured the number of staff trained and assessed staff knowledge using a pre and post course questionnaire. Individual course day evaluations and 'Light bulb moment 'sessions captured qualitative data and a census form relating to interest in and uptake of SHC captured patient engagement data.

The pre and post delegate questionnaires from every cohort have demonstrated significant positive shifts in all the objectives of the training programme. The target of 25% of staff trained has been reached in all but one group of units. A third of all patients across Yorkshire and Humber are significantly engaged in their haemodialysis care.

A nurse-led education programme can provide nurse participants with the tools to encourage and support patients to become more engaged in their haemodialysis treatment.