A decade review: methods to improve adherence to the treatment among haemodialysis patients

Haemodialysis patients are asked to adhere to a very difficult treatment regimen consisting of fluid and diet restrictions, many daily medications, and usually 3 or 4 hour haemodialysis sessions three times each week. Many haemodialysis patients fail to adhere to their prescribed treatment and although this regimen is difficult, it is necessary for patients to adhere for optimal health and well-being. It is important for nephrology nurses to know what interventions help patients overcome the barriers that keep them from adhering to prescribed treatment The purpose of this paper is to review the literature to examine the research that has been published on methods to improve adherence among haemodialysis patients. Behavioural approaches, education, and primary nursing are interventions that have been researched More research has been reported on the demographics of noncompliant haemodialysis patients than on effective methods that help patients improve adherence to the treatment regimen. Demographic characteristics do not consistently predict compliance for individual patients. Each patient is unique. Research supports the idea that the nephrology nurse should spend time with the patient on a regular basis in order to understand the factors that hinder the individual patient from adhering to the treatment regimen. The nurse who knows the patient well is empowered to develop individualised interventions aimed at reducing barriers that interfere with the patient's ability to adhere to treatment.