Functioning of vascular access and satisfaction with nursing care among patients undergoing haemodialysis

Patient satisfaction is increasingly recognized as an essential indicator of the quality of healthcare, including nursing care, particularly in the context of chronic therapies such as haemodialysis. The condition and functioning of vascular access, crucial for effective renal replacement therapy, may significantly influence patients' perception of the care received.

To assess the relationship between the functioning of vascular access and satisfaction with nursing care among patients undergoing haemodialysis.

This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2021 and December 2022 among 202 haemodialysis patients in Poland. Data were collected using a proprietary questionnaire assessing satisfaction with nursing care, the Vascular Access Questionnaire (VAQ), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain assesment. The results are summarised in a statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and the Shapiro-Wilk test.

The proprietary satisfaction scale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.983) and a single-factor structure. The mean satisfaction score was 3.79 (SD = 1.00), and the mean VAQ score was 13.79 (SD = 11.22). A moderate negative correlation was found between vascular access problems and satisfaction with nursing care (r = -0.387; p < 0.001). No significant relationship was observed between pain level and satisfaction of nursing care (r = -0.091; p = 0.215).

Satisfaction with nursing care is inversely related to the severity of vascular access problems in haemodialysis patients. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining well-functioning vascular access and addressing patient concerns as part of comprehensive dialysis care.