Hemodialysis Nursing Staffs' General Knowledge Regarding Elderly and Dialysis

Research Abstract

Abstract Background: Hemodialysis today moves towards innovative techniques, biomaterials and devices with an absolute need for solid evidence around every new treatment or technology. Aim: This study aimed to assess hemodialysis nursing staffs' general knowledge regarding elderly and dialysis. Design: A descriptive exploratory design was utilized in the current study. Setting: The study was carried out in two hemodialysis units at Beni-Suef University Hospital and Elwasta General Hospital in Beni-Suef Governorate. Subjects: A convenient sample of 76 hemodialysis nurses, of whom 22 were men and 54 women. Results: It shows that, 79.0%% & 77.6% of the dialysis nurses have incomplete correct knowledge about the changes that occur to the elderly and the causes of renal failure for elderly, respectively. However, 50% of the dialysis nurses have fair level of total knowledge about elderly patients and dialysis. Also, 32% of them have good level of total knowledge, while, 18% of them have poor level of total knowledge. Conclusion: There is statistically significant relation between dialysis nurses' knowledge and their years of experience in dialysis unit, attendance training program for new dialysis nurses, and their opportunity to viewing the courses and medical journals (p<0.05). Recommendations: Modification of the ongoing training program regarding infection control to be more applied to hemodialysis units

Research Keywords

hemodialysis; nursing knowledge; elderly