Healthcare

Biography

Biography: Maitali Ganesan

Abstract

Background: Nurses play an important role in implementing medical and nursing educational interventions for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients as to reduce or prevent complications of the disease. With increasing number of CKD patients both locally and globally, it contributes to increased healthcare utilizations. Even though current literature suggested that appropriate nursing management and patient education are required to meet specific demands of patients with CKD; limitations of evidence and literature had demonstrated on the aspects of nurses’ challenges with regards to the process delivering patient education. Aims: The aim of the study is to explore and understand nurse’s perceptions in respect to patient education for CKD in Singapore. The research questions were directed towards understanding of patient education process, identifying barriers and facilitators of patient education and both nurses and patient’s perceptions of patient education. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design using semi-structured face to face interview was conducted to gather contextual data. Sample sizes of 20 registered nurses working in a renal ward setting at one of tertiary hospitals in Singapore were recruited until saturation is reached. The participants were selected using purposive sampling technique and were based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The interview process lasted for 20 to 60 minutes and was audio-taped. Audio-taped interviews were transcribed in English. Thematic analysis was employed. Results: Nurses have a key role in implementing medical educational interventions for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients while employing effective management strategies to reduce or prevent complications of the disease. The main central concerns were knowledge level, self confidence level, and time availability with their patients. Conclusions: These results enable healthcare professionals to understand the significance to maintain and improve patient education and management for patients who are clinically diagnosed with CKD. In addition, it would also provide an understanding of expectations, clinical expertise, challenges, difficulties and scope of practice of renal ward nurse. As limited evidence from current literature was noted on the essential components of patient education, this study would give an opportunity to identify the core teachings that should be implemented. It could also be a good basis for policy-making in hospitals. It could be a guide for future studies such as education for other chronic conditions or educational program interventions.