Enhancing Patient Outcomes: The Role of Nursing in Home Dialysis Assistance and Education

Abstract

Background: With an aging global population, the incidence of kidney failure and dialysis treatment among older adults is increasing. Home dialysis modalities, including peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis (HHD), offer benefits such as lifestyle flexibility and improved cardiovascular outcomes. However, challenges like frailty, caregiver strain, and complications hinder widespread adoption, particularly among elderly individuals.

Aim: This review explores the role of nursing in enhancing home dialysis outcomes for older adults through assistance and education.

Methods: A narrative review synthesizes findings from global registries, surveys, and clinical studies to identify barriers and opportunities in home dialysis for elderly patients. Special emphasis is placed on nursing interventions and educational strategies to address biases, complications, and patient-centered goals.

Results: While home dialysis adoption among older adults is increasing in regions like the United States, growth remains limited elsewhere. Key challenges include biases among healthcare teams, high mortality rates in PD, and patient apprehension. Nursing education and personalized care plans have proven effective in mitigating these barriers. For instance, targeted training significantly reduced nurses’ reluctance to recommend home dialysis for older patients. Strategies such as respite care, incremental dialysis initiation, and infection prevention also improved outcomes.

Conclusion: Nurses play a pivotal role in addressing the complexities of home dialysis for older adults. By providing tailored support, managing treatment-related complications, and prioritizing quality of life, nurses can facilitate successful adoption and improved patient outcomes. Enhanced education and systemic support are critical for sustaining these efforts.

Background: With an aging global population, the incidence of kidney failure and dialysis treatment among older adults is increasing. Home dialysis modalities, including peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis (HHD), offer benefits such as lifestyle flexibility and improved cardiovascular outcomes. However, challenges like frailty, caregiver strain, and complications hinder widespread adoption, particularly among elderly individuals.

Aim: This review explores the role of nursing in enhancing home dialysis outcomes for older adults through assistance and education.

Methods: A narrative review synthesizes findings from global registries, surveys, and clinical studies to identify barriers and opportunities in home dialysis for elderly patients. Special emphasis is placed on nursing interventions and educational strategies to address biases, complications, and patient-centered goals.

Results: While home dialysis adoption among older adults is increasing in regions like the United States, growth remains limited elsewhere. Key challenges include biases among healthcare teams, high mortality rates in PD, and patient apprehension. Nursing education and personalized care plans have proven effective in mitigating these barriers. For instance, targeted training significantly reduced nurses’ reluctance to recommend home dialysis for older patients. Strategies such as respite care, incremental dialysis initiation, and infection prevention also improved outcomes.

Conclusion: Nurses play a pivotal role in addressing the complexities of home dialysis for older adults. By providing tailored support, managing treatment-related complications, and prioritizing quality of life, nurses can facilitate successful adoption and improved patient outcomes. Enhanced education and systemic support are critical for sustaining these efforts.