Nursing role in supporting self-management of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis patients

Abstract

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) is treatment of chronic kidney disease especially for patients living with end-stage renal disease. This treatment could assist a patient with a better symptom. However, continuing receiving such treatment, patients seem to be facing with some troubles in their life because of complicated step of CAPD. In addition, It could be clearly seen that there are many factors relating to unsuccessful self-management among patients, including lack of knowledge for CAPD among patients and caregivers. Moreover, patients might lack of social support, feeling difficult to adapt to the new environment and none of awareness and skills in applying knowledge into practice. These factors could make patients to have life threaten complications. The professional nurses are the key person who can take a crucial role encouraging patients to receive continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis which can be showed 6 main roles: 1) The role of nursing practice 2) The role of supporting self-management for patients 3) The role of communication 4) The role of providing holistic care regarding ethics and patient rights protection 5) The role of follow-up and 6) The role of coordinating with other resources. The professional nurses should be applied such an important role to patients. Therefore, nursing care will be a standard and effectiveness and patients will have a high quality of life during undergoing CAPD.