Renal rehabilitation: keys to success. Case study of the anemic patient

Rehabilitation of dialysis patients was an original goal of the Medicare End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program. Since this program's inception, advances in technology (e.g., better dialysis equipment) and pharmacology (e.g., maintenance of an optimum hematocrit with Epoetin alfa) have greatly improved the care of patients with ESRD and increased the potential for successful rehabilitation. Recognizing the importance of rehabilitation, many health providers and patients have focused attention on developing innovative programs that can help improve outcomes. A key component of successful programs is the formation of a multidisciplinary team that actively plans, directs, and participates in the rehabilitation effort. This article provides case study overviews from three dialysis centers, including key steps that can ensure a continual focus on rehabilitation.