Improving the nurse-patient relationship: a multi-faceted approach.

AIM

The aim of the symposium was to provide strategies to help overcome different types of nurse-patient communication problems, with particular reference to the renal disease setting. In this context, the importance of effective patient education to increase patient compliance played a vital role. The case studies presented and the subsequent discussions helped increase the awareness of important medical aspects, such as the increased risk of anaemia-related complications in diabetic patients and the importance of early referral and anaemia treatment in patients with renal disease. Strategies proposed were supported by best practice guidelines and the latest scientific data.

METHODOLOGY

A moderator led an interactive session that included two video case studies, scientific presentations and panel discussions. The audience played an active role by expressing their opinions via keypads. The case studies and the views of the audience were discussed by a panel of experts, who related their experiences and advice.

CONCLUSIONS

A good nurse-patient relationship is essential to meet the clinical, psychological and social needs of the patient in order to optimise treatment. Effective patient education is an important tool to meet patient's needs and increase treatment compliance. Moreover, optimal treatment of patients requires a multidisciplinary approach to allow early identification and treatment of associated co-morbidities. Anaemia-related co-morbidities are particularly important in diabetic patients with renal disease, since this patient group develops anaemia at an early stage and has a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular complications. In renal disease, there are well-defined guidelines and treatment options for anaemia-related co-morbidities, which can easily be adapted to a patient's needs in order to offer flexible, individualised treatment with the aim of improving treatment outcomes.