Nephrology & Therapeutics

Biography

Biography: Eilean V Lazarus

Abstract

To optimize health, improve quality of life among dialysis patients and to develop an information booklet on “Coping with ESRD”. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was used. Approval for this study was obtained from the institutional ethics committee. The convenience sample was 150 patients with ESRD receiving dialysis. The intervention group received renal rehabilitation. Knowledge and quality of life were measured using a knowledge questionnaire and the RAND health-related kidney disease quality of life questionnaire at baseline, one month and two months post intervention with reinforcement on the same topics at each visit. The control group received usual care. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean scores for knowledge about end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.001). The mean scores of the QoL sub-scales were statistically significant (p <0.001). The sub-scale scores of Energy Fatigue among the intervention group and control group were not statistically different. The mean scores for the KD QoL sub-scales among the intervention group compared to the control group were statistically significant (p<0.01). Implications: Early education about renal disease, its treatments, and the potential to live long and productively can aid in overall adjustment and decision making for people on dialysis. Conclusion: Education was shown to be a positive predictor of physical and mental health for people on hemodialysis. Patients who are encouraged to learn about their treatment have better outcomes and improved quality of life.