The basic needs of children on haemodialysis in Turkey

Abstract

Background. Haemodialysis treatment can be very tiring and unpleasant, particularly for paediatric patients, families and also for the treatment team. In this study, the basic needs of children on haemodialysis were determined in order to improve the conditions of their therapy environment. Methods. The requirements of 20 children and 40 adults, who were on haemodialysis therapy for a minimum of five sessions, were recorded by means of a questionnaire. Results. The majority of children and adults preferred to be treated in separate units. All children and adults stated that they needed a constant transportation facility to be provided by the dialysis unit. All children wanted their parents/relatives to be with them during the dialysis sessions while only a minority of adults required an accompanying relative. The majority of both paediatric and adult patients preferred daytime sessions. The majority of children preferred to have the same nurse to needle their fistula and supervise their therapy session. Conclusions. The health authority should recognize the role of the therapy team, including a paediatric nephrologist, in providing the basic needs and fulfilling the expectations of paediatric haemodialysis patients in order to increase the efficiency of the treatment. © The Author [2008]. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.