Patient-Centered Care Key in Promoting Self-Management of Chronic Kidney Disease

Dallas—Patients receiving hemodialysis therapy may face complex lifestyle changes, including diet and fluid restrictions, that have adverse effects on their physical and emotional well-being. The role of nephrology nurses to promote patient self-management and helping patients manage these changes in lifestyle is key.

Rahel Bahru, RN, BN, MScA(N), and colleagues at the hemodialysis unit of St. Mary’s Hospital Center at the Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, in Montreal, Canada, conducted a study to examine patient perspectives on nursing care that enables or hinders their ability to manage their illness. Study results were reported at the 2019 ANNA National Symposium in a presentation titled Perceptions of Nursing Care to Promote Self-Management in Chronic Kidney Disease.

The study utilized a qualitative descriptive design and included six male and three female hemodialysis patients. The seven patients were interviewed during their outpatient dialysis treatment at the hospital.

The interviews revealed three major themes: (1) what it means to live with kidney disease; (2) managing the illness and treatment regimen; and (3) the nature of the therapeutic relationship with nurses to promote self-management. When asked about care that helped with self-management of their illness, the patients cited nurses’ friendly demeanor and patient-centered care as helpful qualities.

“These findings underscore the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment, and focusing on patients’ individual needs. Reflective practice may be a helpful strategy to assist the nurse to consider the interpersonal aspect of the nurse-patient relationship. The nurse’s use of motivational interviewing may help to gain the patients’ perspective and engage them in their care,” the authors said.

Source: Bahru R, Purden M, Kerr M. Perceptions of nursing care to promote self-management in chronic kidney disease. Abstract of a presentation at the 2019 American Nephrology Nurses Association National Symposium, April 14-17, 2019, Dallas Texas.