title: Enhancing lifestyle through home haemodialysis.
abstract: The Sydney Dialysis Centre (SDC) supports 150 patients who dialyze in the home environment. Since its inception SDC has been assisting patients to modify their dialysis regime according to individual needs. In 2003-2004 a postal survey was sent to SDC patients who had changed their dialysis regime to ascertain the effect of this change on lifestyle. This article will present the results of the survey with regard to patients who dialyze nocturnally (LND) and for longer hours (LH). The patients experience will be presented in relation to their reason for modifying treatment, resultant changes in diet and medication prescription and their subjective experience of wellbeing. Findings indicate that patients who dialyse nocturnally and for longer hours experience improved sense of wellbeing, diet control and increased energy levels. While nocturnal dialysis does not suit all patients, the respondents in this survey reported benefits such as: increased opportunity for employment; less restrictions on free time; improved blood results and better lifestyle.
authors.affiliation: Sydney Dialysis Centre, Australia.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bolgg
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hyde
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006302:Health Services Research; D006437:Hemodialysis, Home / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales; D009551:Night Care; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors