The social climate in chronic haemodialysis units as perceived by patients and nurses.

The purpose of this research was to check if there was a correlation between how patients perceived the atmosphere in dialysis units compared to the nurses' perception. The intention was to examine commonality and differences between the two groups. This would serve as a basis to change the behaviour of the nurses and/or to develop or create settings that are more suitable. Sixteen haemodialysis units in Israel participated in this study, a total of 190 participants of which ninety-three were nurses and ninety-seven were patients. Patients and nurses gave their consent in writing and answered anonymously. The Moos Ward Atmosphere Scale was used using 100 true and false questions. These questions were condensed into six main categories. Our results showed that the patients and staff had significantly different perceptions in the following categories: 1. Openness and sensitivity, 2. Staff attitude, 3. Order and organization, 4. Mutual support, 5. New treatment approaches. The greatest degree of agreement between the two groups was found in only one category: that of the "doctor's attitude" or behaviour. Three studies have been found that have investigated the unit atmosphere as perceived by patients and staff-two in Israel in an oncology and a psychiatric unit. Rhodes did the third study in a haemodialysis unit in the Unites States and his results are compared with the results in this study. The differences found between nurses and patients show that there is a communication problem. It is recommended that interpersonal communication be improved to close the gap in perceptions, thereby improving the unit atmosphere. New strategies should be developed for coping and helping the patient to adjust.