Life Options Patient Opinion Study identifies keys to a long life for dialysis patients.
Results of a recent survey of 31 people on dialysis show that, initially, most of them had no real expectation of living a long life when they started treatment. How and why have their perceptions changed? What can providers and other patients learn from this Life Options Patient Opinion Study? For people on dialysis, rehabilitation means living long and living well, despite the challenges of kidney disease. The first step to successful renal rehabilitation is ensuring that the clinical prerequisites of anemia control, adequate dialysis, a well-functioning vascular access, and proper nutrition are in place. In addition, research indicates that people on dialysis are more likely to experience positive outcomes and better quality of life when they are informed about their disease and its treatments; have solid support systems; exercise regularly and remain active and productive, and engage in self-care. It is the combination of good clinical care plus rehabilitation management that can help dialysis patients return to active and fulfilling lives. In 1993 the Life Options Rehabilitation Advisory Council (LORAC) developed a comprehensive approach to renal rehabilitation, based on the "5E's:" Encouragement, Education, Exercise, Employment, and Evaluation. Since then, the 5E's have served as the basis for numerous activities of the Life Options Rehabilitation Program. The Patient Opinion Study examined the patient experience as a way to begin identifying the keys to a long life on dialysis.
Medical Media Associates, Inc., Madison, Wis., USA.
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D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001294:Attitude to Health; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D008136:Longevity; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires