title: Home hemodialysis--yes, it can be learned.
abstract: Sacred Heart Kidney Center has maintained a strong home hemodialysis program in Spokane for the past 34 years. Patients who choose this option consistently lead more independent lives, taking more responsibility for their own care. They have the positive attitude that dialysis is a small part of their lives rather than the core of a life dominated by a schedule at a dialysis center. Sacred Heart's home hemodialysis program fosters independence and self-motivation using a stepwise training process for the patient and partner. A skilled training nurse directs the training at the dialysis center. The nurse's work is enhanced by the entire dialysis team, including the nephrologist, social worker, dietitian, and equipment technician. The patient and partner pass through a series of integrated learning blocks, mastering each at their own pace. This method is an effective and efficient way of leading the patient and partner to competence and independence. Training and follow-up provide the framework for supporting day-to-day dialysis in the patient's home and allow for continued multidisciplinary interventions.
authors.affiliation: Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane, WA 99220-2551, USA.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Stevens
mesh_terms: D006437:Hemodialysis, Home; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic