J CHIMYONG1
1Peninsula Health , Frankston, Australia
Aim: To improve the management of the symptom burden in haemodialysis patients through evaluation of IPOS renal tool.
Background: Patients receiving haemodialysis treatment experience significant symptom burden that is often undetected and hence undertreated. Inability to describe these symptoms is one of the reasons why these symptoms are undertreated. IPOS renal tool features common symptoms renal patients’ experience, including physical symptoms, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs.
Method: Introduce IPOS renal tool to all patients receiving haemodialysis treatment at Peninsula Health satellite units. A baseline IPOS renal tool is implemented to establish initial co-morbidity burden load. IPOS renal is then repeated with each patient nephrology review to highlight current medical issues. Patient scores are collated and discussed at clinic review to improve patient outcomes.Patient Participation: The study examined the responses of 75 patients across three haemodialysis units. The average age of the patient participation was 66.83years. (Range 24-89 years) There was 43 males and 32 female patients.
Results: Following collation of patient response there was significant burden in the following areas: Pain (32%) Weakness or lack of energy (48%), Poor mobility (38.6%) and difficultly sleeping (37.33%). Within this group anxiety (46.6%) and depression (40%) was also prevalent along with 52% of participants unable to share their feelings with loved ones.
Conclusion: The study improved channels of communication between patients and medical staff with the introduction of IPOS renal. IPOS review highlighted areas of concern for patients, previously not identified. Majority of patients experienced both physical and psychological discomfort. Recognising untreated symptoms has led to increased referral to various services such as chronic pain clinic, exercise physiologist and social worker to help patients overcome these burdens.
Biography:
Julie Chimyong
Lives on the Mornington Peninsula ,working at Peninsula Health as a Nephrology Nurse Practitioner. Patient focus groups includes CKD stage 3-5, including haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients