Reaction.docx

Reaction: The research article was about strategies to improve patient knowledge regarding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT). The researchers utilized an education and counseling program for the patients and concluded the findings or results. Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic renal failure, chronic renal disease, or chronic kidney failure, is a condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time and it is much more widespread than people realize; it often goes undetected and undiagnosed until the disease is well advanced. As kidney failure advances and the organ's function is severely impaired, dangerous levels of waste and fluid can rapidly build up in the body. Treatment is aimed at stopping or slowing down the progression of the disease - this is usually done by controlling its underlying cause. The article conveyed that if pre-dialysis education is provided to the clients, it may increase understanding and improvement of the patients. Adequate knowledge about their condition is lacking from most patients, particularly those who are not familiar with the disease or those who are just starting with their treatments. We all know that knowledge is very essential for these renal patients because knowledge affects how people perceive their health and it reflects in their health seeking behaviors. So far, I have noticed that most patients we have encountered in the renal unit are compliant and well informed about their disease conditions in a way better than we, students, do. That is because these patients have been having their treatments for several years now that it became a routine part of their life. I’ve also noted that there are still patients wishing to stop dialysis treatment claiming that their condition can be managed with prescribed home medications. With these observations, I can say that there’s still a gap and a problem that needs to be filled in and to be resolved. Poor knowledge and understanding about the progression of renal disease and renal replacement therapy, like dialysis, affects the prognosis of the patient’s condition which would result in gradual worsening and dysfunction of the kidneys.

It is undeniable that consistency and compliance is challenging to keep up for the patients due to several inevitable factors. It is not only with renal patients, but almost all patients with certain conditions have difficulty complying with their treatments. I can say that number one reason of noncompliance in long term medical treatments in the Philippines would be financial constraints. Most Filipinos perceive it as problematic or a burden when going and admitting themselves to the hospital. Healthcare services, laboratory exams, medications and therapies are costly. So, when patients perceive their health not heavier than the way they perceive the cost of their hospitalization, they may neglect the early symptoms of a serious health condition. That is why us, Filipinos, are known to only hospitalized ourselves when we can no longer tolerate the symptoms and consequently, it is when the disease has become worse. But this may not be true at all times, because nowadays, I noticed that more people are visiting the hospitals, especially the indigents. I believe it is because the availability of the healthcare services has been well broadcasted to the people, particularly those who are poverty-stricken so they already have the awareness that they can have themselves checked up by a physician or to be hospitalized and not be worrisome of the expenses because there are benefits from the government that can aid them. This is so true because there’s Philhealth that will shoulder a certain case rate of the dialysis expenses for a specified number of treatments, from 45 days to 90 sessions per year, and is renewable each year. There’s more other than the Philhealth, such as the PCSO. So, with the renal patients, it is vital that they get immediate attention. Sadly, several cases are diagnosed in the later stage of the disease which is irreversible and will require lifetime management. The study stated that most patients only have general knowledge of their disease, CKD or End-Stage Renal failure and none knew about renal replacement therapy. I admit that I, also, didn't knew about dialysis and I only heard a few ideas about renal failure until I was in nursing school. Thus, this truly implies that patient education will be very important. Patient education is not only a critical mechanism through which patients can have their questions, concerns, and needs regarding kidney disease care addressed, but it is

also a crucial pathway to ensuring that patients can be taught to engage in selfmanagement of their CKD risk. So as nurses, it is our duty to advocate patient education and provide a patient-centered care. To implement self-management activities and participate in care decisions and planning, patients with CKD must have knowledge of their condition. Research shows that patient understanding of CKD improves outcomes. CKD education may increase both objective and perceived kidney disease knowledge among patients. Educating patients on the different risk factors of CKD, the possible complications and outcomes of not complying and maintaining the appropriate treatment regimen may help decrease the mortality of patients and who undergo dialysis. Patients with progressive chronic kidney disease face a series of treatment decisions that will impact the quality of life of themselves and their family. Thus, through careful planning and smooth nurse-patient cooperation, it is possible to implement an education and support that helps patients benefit and achieve quality of life.

UNIVERSITY OF CEBU – BANILAD COLLEGE OF NURSING

Readings on Strategies to Improve Patient Knowledge

Submitted by: Dizon, Marisol S. BSN 4A

Submitted to: Lilibeth Dela Peῆa, RPH, RN, MAN Clinical Instructor

UC MED – RENAL UNIT October 10, 2018