[Initial experiences with home care for peritoneal dialysis rendered by district nurses].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility of home care for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) by district nurses.

DESIGN

Descriptive study.

SETTING

Free University Hospital in Amsterdam.

PATIENTS

Patients with end-stage renal disease who were eligible for CAPD but were not able to carry out the CAPD treatment themselves were given assistance by district nurses. During the study period from December 1991 to December 1992 the patients' clinical scores were recorded every 3 months, and questionnaires were sent to both the district and the hospital nurses.

RESULTS

During the study period 58 months of CAPD home care were given to ten patients (average age 74 years) by 159 community nurses. These had received a preliminary training by the staff of the dialysis department and they were supported by consultation. Three patients died during the study period. Five patients continued the CAPD home care treatment after December 1992.

CONCLUSION

CAPD home care by district nurses is feasible on the following conditions: extra financing, preliminary training and support for the district nurses from the hospital staff by consultation.