An ecological and behavioral approach to outpatient dialysis treatment

A treatment-research program is described which was implemented in an outpatient dialysis treatment unit to facilitate patients' psychosocial adjustment and quality of life. The program's theoretical framework and multifaceted treatment approach are based on an ecological-behavioral model of community intervention research. The effects of the program were evaluated from (1) pre- and post-measures of patients' and nurses' self-esteem and level of hope. (2) behavior changes, and (3) program evaluations from patients, nurses and doctors. These indices suggest that the program resulted in positive psychosocial consequences for patients and nurses.