Training and education, what has changed this last decade?

Area of Science:

• Nephrology Nursing
• Patient Education
• Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

Background:

• The Dutch manual for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient training and education, developed by the Special Interest Group for PD (SIG PD), underwent revision.
• This revision aimed to enhance the quality of care and education provided to patients undergoing PD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document insights gained during the revision of the PD training manual.
• To analyze changes in nurse responses from 2009 to 2019 surveys regarding PD training and education.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative nursing research utilizing comparative surveys from 2009 and 2019.
• Surveys were distributed to Dutch dialysis nurses, with data collection via online methods and at national nephrology days.
• A supplementary literature search was conducted to support the findings.

Main Results:

• Despite a decade passing, specialized education for nurses in PD patient training remains absent; training relies on individual experience.
• Patient training materials vary, with multiple nurses involved, and an increase in home-based training and retraining suitability.
• Growth in assisted PD and acute PD necessitates greater community nurse involvement and adapted training structures.

Conclusions:

• The revised PD manual incorporates nurse feedback and updated guidelines to elevate the standard of PD education.
• The Special Interest Group for PD (SIG PD) will support dialysis nurses in implementing improved training protocols.
• Enhanced education benefits patients, caregivers, and community nurses involved in peritoneal dialysis care.