title: Improvement in care: a collaborative approach to rehabilitation.
abstract: Examination of the patient experience within our unit, from pre dialysis through to establishment of dialysis in the community identified that the care was fragmented. To improve patient care, a change process was initiated. Four home care teams comprising three qualified nurses and one renal care assistant were established with each team responsible for a caseload of patients within a specified geographical location. To measure the impact on the patient, 100 questionnaires were circulated after twelve months. Results from 60 patients showed 76% of pre dialysis patients and 80% of dialysis patients were very satisfied with the change process. The main advantage of this change for the patient is that they are in a continuous supportive cycle for all their non-inpatient care throughout their replacement therapy. We conclude that patient focused care is essential and should be a transition catalyst in a change resistant environment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wilde
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Macefield
mesh_terms: D006437:Hemodialysis, Home / Q000451:nursing*; D018575:Home Care Services, Hospital-Based / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction