Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was designed to explore the effects of providing individualized education for hemodialysis patients on their knowledge of hemodialysis, compliance of patient role behavior, and physiologic parameters.
METHOD
A quasi experimental design with a non-equivalent control group and a non-synchronized design was used. The experiment was conducted with a total of 40 hemodialysis patients (20 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group) at the artificial kidney center, C University Hospital. The experimental group was provided with individualized education, 30 minutes per session, three times per week, for two weeks.
RESULTS
The experimental group had significantly higher knowledge of hemodialysis than the control group after the education. The compliance of patient role behavior was more enhanced in the experimental group than the control group. The experimental group showed significantly higher values of blood urea nitrogen, but not the values of blood creatinine, albumin, kalium, and phosphorus.
CONCLUSION
The individualized education was found to be an effective intervention for improving patients' knowledge of hemodialysis and compliance of patient role behavior.

• Keywords: Hemodialysis; Education; Knowledge; Compliance