Innovations in Hemodialysis Care: An Evaluation of Quality and the Patient Experience

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Healthcare Management
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Hemodialysis (HD) is a costly, prevalent treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Canada, typically requiring thrice-weekly in-center sessions.
• Patients requiring both HD and inpatient rehabilitation face significant transportation burdens, impacting patient experience and healthcare resources.
• Integrating HD services within a rehabilitation setting was explored to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of providing hemodialysis services within a rehabilitation/complex care setting.
• To assess the impact on patient experience, quality of life, and rehabilitation outcomes.
• To analyze cost-effectiveness and satisfaction levels among patients and staff.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative project between renal and rehabilitation/complex care teams to establish on-site HD services.
• Utilized realistic evaluation methodology to examine program effectiveness.
• Involved patient and family representatives throughout the project lifecycle.

Main Results:

• On-site HD significantly reduced patient travel, improving patient experience and quality of life.
• Positive impacts on rehabilitation patient outcomes were observed.
• Decreased healthcare costs and increased communication and satisfaction among staff were reported.

Conclusions:

• Providing hemodialysis within a rehabilitation/complex care setting is an effective model for improving patient well-being and healthcare efficiency.
• On-site HD services alleviate transportation burdens and enhance the overall patient journey.
• This integrated approach offers a viable solution for managing complex care needs in ESRD patients.