[The organization of the nursing service in dialysis centers in Italy. A national study promoted by the EDTNA-ERCA--Italian branch. European Dialysis Transplant Nurses Association-European Renal Care Association].

A 45 multiple choice questions questionnaire was mailed to the nursing personnel of the 687 public and private Italian dialysis units, in 1991. The survey was promoted by the Italian branch of the EDTNA-ERCA (European Dialysis Transplant Nurses Association). The questions related to the following areas: structure of the service, organization of the activities, dialysis methods; number of nurses, communication systems, basic and continuing education and main problems encountered by nursing personnel in some areas. 185 questionnaires were returned (21.2%). The situation is highly dishomogeneous. The working team is formed by physicians and nurses only or may include dietitians, social workers, technicians etc. In 102 centres 55% of the respondents, nurses perform non nursing activities (from the incanulation of the arterovenous fistula to activities related to the maintenance of dialysis apparatus). Problems most frequently encountered include conflicts with the patients on criteria and conditions in handling dialysis procedures and lack of collaboration with physicians.