Rehabilitation experiences of patients receiving dialysis

The concept of "rehabilitation" contains physical, psychosocial, and vocational elements. An exploratory study was developed by ESRD Network 18 regarding patient rehabilitation experiences in Southern California. A questionnaire was developed, and data collected from 248 randomly selected work-eligible ESRD patients in the network. Results showed relatively few significant differences between employed and unemployed ESRD patients in terms of demographics, and on many aspects of physical function, psychosocial adaptation, and vocational rehabilitation potential. However, unemployed patients reported lower energy levels, less stamina for working, greater benefits for not working, and problems with vocational rehabilitation programs. Unemployed patients also had more negative attitudes about achieving life goals and former job experiences. To help patients overcome barriers to rehabilitation, facility staff can focus on management of ESRD complications, assisting patients with support groups, connecting patients to rehabilitation resources early, and encouraging employed patients to continue working as long as possible.