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Assessing Patients' ability to learn medication protocols during a hemodialysis session
Urooj Khan1, Shlomit Rotenberg1,2, Jill I Cameron1,2
1Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Journal of Nephrology
|August 12, 2026
Summary
Over half of hemodialysis patients struggle to learn new medication regimens during treatment sessions. This highlights a critical need for improved medication education strategies for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Patients undergoing hemodialysis frequently experience cognitive impairment.
- Complex medication schedules increase the risk of medication errors in this population.
- Hemodialysis units offer a potential setting for medication education, but learning effectiveness is uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the ability of hemodialysis patients to learn new medication regimens during dialysis sessions.
- To identify factors associated with difficulties in medication management learning.
Main Methods:
- A secondary analysis of multicenter, cross-sectional data from 101 hemodialysis patients in Toronto, Canada.
- Participants completed the Medication Management Ability Assessment (MMAA), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Lawton-Brody IADL scale.
- Analysis focused on MMAA impairment, predictors, and correlations with cognitive and functional measures.
Main Results:
- 54% of participants demonstrated impaired ability to learn a new medication regimen during hemodialysis.
- Impaired performance on the MMAA correlated with lower MoCA scores and higher dependence on the Lawton-Brody medication item.
- Older age and racialized status were significant predictors of impaired medication management ability.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of hemodialysis patients face challenges learning new medications during treatment.
- Current medication education delivery methods may be inadequate for this population.
- Interventions are needed to support medication learning and management in hemodialysis patients.
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