to enhance time spent on dialysis and make for a more positive and fulfilling Experience for our patients

I Sugden, L Wray

York Hospital

Problem: Haemodialysis can be a life saving treatment, however it brings with it many hours a week attached to a machine. Patients with end stage renal failure suffer loss of physical function and research shows this effects their self confidence, leads to low self esteem and increased dependance on the health care system (McKenzie 1988)

Purpose: to enable our patients to make use of the local education and library facilities whilst on dialysis.

Process: We were aware of a similar project at Brigg Satellite unit which has been successful. Having spoken to Gill Armitage, sister of the Unit, I then liased with the Specialist Service Librarian and the Community Education Service Manager (North Yorkshire County Council) who would help take our project forward.

‘ benchmarking is best thought of as a structured and focused approach to comparing with others how you provide services’ (Wisniewski 2001 p85)

Outcome: We now have a library service within our unit – providing an excellent selection of books, videos and talking books. Following feedback from our questionnaire we commenced computer sessions for a number of patients whilst on dialysis, and we are looking to extend the computing skills to include the internet and emails.

Conclusion: this has been a very positive and fulfilling experience for all concerned

“having such a varied selection of talking books has changed my experience on dialysis from one of boredom to a much more pleasant time spent in the unit”

Relevance: Improved medical care and technology does not always deliver quality of life and a sense of well being.

“I just wanted to thank you so very much for teaching dad computing. He really did enjoy learning and telling us what he had learnt and how you do things on it – although I must admit he did take some following at times, as dads lingo was quite different to computer lingo!!! ……………we are so grateful to you for allowing dad to have made his time on dialysis interesting.”