title: Change process during synchronised conversion to a once-monthly erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) administration at a single satellite haemodialysis unit.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are currently no published data on the impact of changes to practice caused by introducing coordinated once-monthly erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) administration.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to measure staff satisfaction during and after ESA synchronisation within a single satellite haemodialysis unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  A quantitative survey using a Likert scale was distributed to dialysis nurses pre-synchronisation and during follow-up at three and nine months post-synchronisation. Secondary outcomes included monitoring of haemoglobin (Hb) levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 19 respondents completed the surveys. By nine months post-synchronisation, most nurses responded that ESA synchronisation was not a time-consuming task, did not increase their workload, had saved them time and was simpler for the unit. Additionally, most nurses reported that they had coped well with the change and that they wanted ESA synchronisation to be permanently introduced. At 8 months post-synchronisation, 53.3% of patients had an Hb level > 11 g/dl and < 12 g/dl.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Changes to practice resulting from ESA synchronisation did not appear to negatively impact nurse workplace satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Sydney Local Health District and South Western Sydney Local Health District, Cardiovascular Stream, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia. josephine.chow@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Josephine Sau Fan
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: Glenda
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rayment
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Britos
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cleland
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Suranyi
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006397:Hematinics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006436:Hemodialysis Units, Hospital; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009726:Nurses; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D006397:Hematinics; D006454:Hemoglobins