Training of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients—Taiwan's Experiences

In Taiwan, peritoneal dialysis (PD) was launched in 1984. Since then, the Taiwan Society of Nephrology (TSN) has taken the responsibility for supervising PD programs. All PD programs are required to pass evaluations from the TSN before inception. Every new PD patient receives individual training from a qualified PD nurse. The training, accompanied by a review test, is usually provided in the hospital during the week right after catheter implantation.

To evaluate the effect of the patient training program on PD outcomes, we designed a retrospective observation study and reviewed the post-training tests of 100 new PD patients. The post-training test has 10 parts: anatomy and physiology, overview of chronic kidney disease, overview of PD, complications of peritonitis and exit-site infection, diet control, cardiovascular complications, PD skills and procedures, aseptic techniques, management of peritonitis, and routine tasks. The relationship between the post-training test scores and peritonitis was analyzed.

Results showed that risk of peritonitis is not related to the post-training test score. However, based on our experiences, we believe that PD patient training should be lengthened and repeated periodically as suggested by the International Survey of Peritoneal Dialysis Training Programs. Training on certain issues such as the signs and symptoms of peritonitis should be especially enhanced.