Peritoneal Dialysis Patient Training Program to Enhance independence and Prevent Complications: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) training is essential to ensure patient independence and prevent life-threatening complications, such as peritonitis. The International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) recommends that every PD unit worldwide implement local PD training programs with the goal of improving self-care capabilities. This scoping review aims to give an overview of recent literature and recommendations on PD training programs aiming to improve the quality of care and outcomes for PD patients.

Methods

The literature search was conducted using the PC (Population, Concept) approach. The population of interest in this study is PD patients, and the study concept is the PD training program. Several databases were used to conduct the literature search, including PubMed, Science Direct, and CINAHL. The search process began from July 2022 until January 2023. The inclusion criteria for the search included research articles and recommendations.

Results

The search yielded 22 articles recommending training programs lasting from 5–8 days, with 1–3-hour sessions and a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:1. A cumulative training time of 15 hours or more is recommended to enhance patient independence and reduce peritonitis rates. Home-based or in-unit PD training, conducted by experienced nurses using adult learning strategies, has shown significant value in improving self-care and preventing peritonitis. Evaluating training outcomes should encompass knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and the impact on peritonitis rates. Training programs should be flexible and consider physiological and psychosocial barriers to achieving the best results.

Conclusion

There are a variety of strategies for dialysis training concerning duration, session length, patient-to-trainer ratio, timing, methods, location, compliance, and the need for retraining. More evidence is needed to assess the impact of PD patient training programs on self-care capabilities and peritonitis incidence. Future studies should investigate the effects of training programs on compliance, self-efficacy, and patient and nurse perspectives.

Keywords:

• training program
• peritoneal dialysis
• chronic kidney disease
• patient education
• nursing

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no funding.