How are families taught to look after their children on peritoneal dialysis?

For patients to be started on peritoneal dialysis (PD), they need to be trained on how to perform dialysis at home. Understanding how to carry out dialysis is difficult for adults, but perhaps even more challenging for parents of children. This study was performed to examine the PD teaching programs for parents of children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and to explore the issues related to educating parents of children with ESRD. A survey method was used to carry out the research through the distribution of self-completed questionnaires to pediatric dialysis units (ten units) in Saudi Arabia in both governmental and non-governmental hospitals. The questionnaire content was identified using information gained from other research performed in the field of home PD training. The questionnaire was piloted with experienced renal nurses. Questionnaires were distributed to 87 specialized nurses within the ten PD units. Descriptive statistical analysis SPSS (19.00) was used to analyze the data. Statistical tests were used to distinguish the relationship and the significant effects between variables. The response rate was 72% (n=63). Peritonitis rates varied in each hospital, and ranged from zero to three episodes per patient-year (median 1.17 episodes per patient-year). There was a significant association between home visits and peritonitis rates (P<0.01). This study has provided an initial overview of pediatric PD training programs in Saudi Arabia and has provided valuable data in this regard.