Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Surgical Techniques for Catheter Placement and 5/6 Nephrectomy in Murine Models of Peritoneal Dialysis
Published on: July 19, 2018
Differences between employed and nonemployed dialysis patients
R B Curtin1, E T Oberley, P Sacksteder
1Medical Education Institute, University Research Park, Madison, WI, USA.
Employment in chronic dialysis patients is linked to education and functional status, not dialysis specifics. Patient beliefs about work ability act as a self-fulfilling prophecy, highlighting potential for vocational rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Psychology
- Vocational Rehabilitation
Background:
- Employment rates among chronic dialysis patients remain low.
- Factors influencing employment in this population require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify characteristics differentiating employed from nonemployed chronic dialysis patients.
- To explore the role of patient beliefs and functional status in employment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 359 chronic dialysis patients assessing employment status.
- Analysis of demographic, clinical, functional status, and attitudinal variables.
Main Results:
- Higher education and better functional status (MOS SF-20, Karnofsky) were associated with employment.
- Patient beliefs that dialysis patients can and should work, reinforced by others, predicted employment (self-fulfilling prophecy).
- Perceived health limitations on work ability were negatively associated with employment.
Conclusions:
- Education and functional status are key correlates of employment in dialysis patients.
- Patient attitudes and beliefs significantly influence employment, acting as a self-fulfilling prophecy.
- Targeted vocational rehabilitation for willing and able patients could increase employment rates.
Related Concept Videos
Dialysis
Acute kidney injury develops suddenly and can be caused by pre-renal causes (e.g., hypovolemia, shock), intrinsic renal causes (e.g., acute tubular necrosis), or post-renal causes (e.g., urinary obstruction). In contrast, chronic renal failure progresses gradually over time and is often...
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
Peritoneal Dialysis III: Nursing Management
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
Hemodialysis III: Nursing Management

