Patient knowledge and interest on dialysis efficiency: a survey.
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.
Piccoli
G B
GB
Cattedra di Nefrologia, University of Torino, Italy. gbpiccoli@hotmail.com
Mezza
E
E
Pacitti
A
A
Iacuzzo
C
C
Bechis
F
F
Quaglia
M
M
Anania
P
P
Garofletti
Y
Y
Martino
B
B
Peirano
G
G
Aglì
I
I
Jeantet
A
A
Segoloni
G P
GP
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