title: Patient knowledge and interest on dialysis efficiency: a survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Therapeutic compliance is fundamental on dialysis; however following a therapy requires a prior understanding of it. Aim of the study was to assess the need and interest for information on dialysis efficiency and to prepare a dedicated teaching tool.
  
  
  METHODS
  72 patients, on hemodialysis in two limited-care satellite units, were given a questionnaire testing knowledge and interest on dialysis efficiency. In a subsequent second phase, following patients' suggestions, a cartoon book was prepared and opinions recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  63 patients' returned the questionnaire. 79.4% had basic knowledge on routine blood tests, 30.1% were aware of their specific meaning. All patients asked for further information, preferring books to other media. The book "Kt/V as cartoon" was distributed; 71.2% read it, 93% scored it as good-very good. In the Unit employing flexible dialysis schedules, 22/42 patients increased dialysis time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite insufficient knowledge on dialysis efficiency, patient interest is high. An educational program is feasible and may also give practical results, such as self-increase in dialysis time.
authors.affiliation: Cattedra di Nefrologia, University of Torino, Italy. gbpiccoli@hotmail.com
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Piccoli
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mezza
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pacitti
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Iacuzzo
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bechis
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Quaglia
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Anania
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Garofletti
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Martino
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Peirano
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Aglì
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jeantet
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Segoloni
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001877:Books; D002359:Cartoons as Topic; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires