Patients' perceptions of the peritoneal dialysis training received

Abstract

This research study aimed to explore patients' perceptions of the peritoneal dialysis training they received. The methodology used consisted in collecting quantitative data and qualitative data through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. A convenient sample of 12 clients, who had undergone Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) training, and who have been doing the PD procedure on their own at their own homes for not more than 8 months at the time of interview was utilized. Data was analysed quantitatively by means of frequency and descriptive statistics. Tables and figures were than utilized to illustrate the findings. Qualitative data was analyzed by means of content analysis and excerpts from the respective responses were included in order to validate interpretation. Participation was voluntary and participants were free to withdraw from the study at any time. The results showed that the participants received their PD training at the Renal Unit on one to one basis from different nurses. The PD training varied from 1 week to 4 weeks and each session used to take from 1 hour to 4 hours. Throughout the PD training the clients were educated on how to self- dialyze while maintaining strict aseptic technique, daily observations, care of exit site and follow up care. Even though the participants were satisfied with the PD training as a whole, some of the participants expressed dissatisfaction when it comes to the environment where the PD training sessions used to be heh! am.I the type of metho<ls of teaching adopted by the PD trainer. In this study, the barriers articulated by the participants that delayed learning consisted of anxiety, 'not knowing what to expect' and the environment. Participants' attitudes and approaches towards PD training, nurses and family members' support and methods of teaching used by certain nurses were identified as factors that enhanced learning throughout the PD training. On the basis of the data obtained through this small-scale study, a set of recommendations were made for clinical practice and education. The need for the provision of post-graduate nephrology courses based on adult learning aimed for nurse working in the peritoneal dialysis clinic at the Renal unit was suggested. In view of the limitations of this study, it is being recommended that further qualitative research is carried out so as to analyse in more depth patients' perceptions along the PD training and replication of the study including both clients who are on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis and on Automated Peritoneal Dialysis.