Compliance in hemodialysis patients: a review of the literature.
Compliance with dietary, fluid, and medication instruction is a critically significant factor in the continued health and well-being of the patient undergoing chronic hemodialysis. The most compliant patients tend to be married, skilled professionals with a high level of self-concept. Compliance in hemodialysis patients is most often measured by monitoring levels of blood urea nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus and by observing the amount of weight gained between dialysis treatments. To improve compliance, health professionals need to assess fully the educational level and understanding of the patient. In regimens requiring alterations of critical behavior, such as diet, changes should be made one at a time, with the next objective being added only after the patient has demonstrated adequate knowledge of the preceding step. The problem of noncompliance is multidimensional. Intervention to alter health behaviors must involve consideration of the issues of greatest concern to the patient. Simplifying the treatment plan, including family support, and making sure that the patient has a clear understanding of what is expected of him or her are some of the techniques reported.
Hoover
H
H
V.A. Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55417.
D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D006435:Renal Dialysis