DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION AND ASSESSMENT OF AN EDUCATIVE INTERVENTION FOR ESRD PATIENTS

Abstract

ESRD is a costly and complex condition that requires from the patient high adherence to renal diet, fluid intake, cleanliness and hygiene, and medication. Adherence to treatment is influenced by factors such as information about the disease, and mental health. Several studies show high levels in prevalence of depression among this population, as well as high levels of misinformation about the disease itself.  Purpose: to design and test the clinical effects of an educational program including cognitive behavioral skills for patients accepted the protocol of intermittent peritoneal dialysis in the following indicators: a) depression, b) anxiety, c) knowledge about disease, and d) serum electrolytes (glucose, sodium and potassium). Method:  Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory a Test about ESRD information, and lab tests were administered to six patients pre-dialysis at a local hospital.  The patients received a Two-Phase training that accounted for a total of 10 sessions.  Results:  Wilcoxon, Test of the signs, and Mcnemar statistic tests showed statistically significant changes in the level of knowledge about the disease.  Relative gains are shown in anxiety and depression levels. Discussion:  The findings are discussed in the light of the difficulties of working with these population.  The author makes suggestions for implementing such interventions in the future.