Chapter 7 Thesis Conclusion :
Quality of Life:
Comparison Between Hemodialysis and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
(600 Words)
Chapter VII Conclusion
Lok (1996) discussed that the evaluation on the quality of life has always been a complicated matter. The typical problems usually encountered in measuring the Quality of life includes the absence of unanimity regarding domains that are needed to be measured, lack of subjective evaluation and the failure in taking into account the differences individually. By using a valid instrument these problems if not diminished be minimized.
In the past years, according to Wasserfallen, et al.[1] (2004) calculatingin the impact of End Stage Renal Dialysis (ESRD) treatment modalities on the quality of life of the patients has increasingly being recognized as a very important outcome measure.
The following measures could be done after reading the series of studies in order to improve the quality of life of patients.
The physical function of the patients must be improved, via good nutrition and little bit of exercise, it is necessary in correcting the level of their serum albumin.
Use medical and psychological therapy and medications in treating the pain, discomfort, anxiety, depression and worries of dialysis patients.
The patient must have priority support among family members, friends and colleagues, information and employment.
More emotional and social support must be given to male patients.
Improvement on the frequency of dialysis might be useful.
Pay attention to technical problems that might be encountered when administering dialysis. e.g. the catheter used in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD).
In conducting a comprehensive and reliable study, the researchers and investigators must take account the following concerns:
Choosing a best tool
The optimal instruments in measuring the Quality of Life must include measures of physical, psychological and social function of the patients. A number of studies out there investigating Quality of Life in End Stage Renal Disease patients used common questionnaires like Short Form-36 (SF-36), which has been a desirable screening tool for high risk patients of being admitted in the hospital, poor compliance to the treatment modality and depression. Not may studies have already been published on the efficacy of End Stage Renal Dialysis specific Quality of Life measures like the Kidney Disease and Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) instrument. This particular measure provided meaningful outcomes that can be explained in order to the betterment of the care of the patients and the affiliation between Quality of life and characteristics of the patients and Quality of life and patient outcomes that must be further addressed.
Effort of the nursing staff
In giving the different needs of patients undergoing dialysis, the objectives and purposes are not only in lengthening the life of patients but also in improving the Quality of Life. What are the things that should be done in improving the Quality of life of patients? It is considerable for all health care professionals such as nurses to extend extra effort in understanding the patients. By studying, evidence base practice, reviewing related literature, research study and many more methods, the patient care for dialysis patients will have great improvement.
From the different literature reviews it is therefore concluded that there were relevant deterioration on the quality of life of dialysis patients whether they are on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) or Hemodialysis. For the two renal replacement therapies, the Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis, no significant difference was found in terms of quality of life. According to Alloati et al Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis are methods that must not be competed; they are two different tools having the same goal which is the treatment and rehabilitation of end stage renal disease patients. Patients with the help of family members and health workers should choose which of the two methods is more suitable in the patient’s case.