Background: As part of this thesis work, we developed a Shower Technique protocol (‘STP’) for hemodialysis patients with healed central venous catheter (catheter) exit sites, designed to permit showering but not increase infection risk. Research question: Is it feasible to conduct a randomized control trial called the Hemodialysis Infection Prevention using Polysporin Ointment with Shower Technique in Satellite Centres (HIPPO SAT) study comparing the rate of CRB in adult satellite hemodialysis patients using STP versus standard catheter care alone with 6 month follow up? Study Design: The HIPPO SAT pilot study is a multi-centre randomized control trial. Eligible participants will be randomized to STP versus standard care after meeting predefined criteria to confirm healed tunneled catheter exit site. Primary Outcome: Feasibility will be determined based on 5 outcome measures: accuracy of the CRB rate documentation in the satellite setting, and percentage of patients screened, recruited, educated successfully in the STP (intervention arm), and using aspects of STP (% of contaminated patients in the control arm). Study Setting: In satellite units affiliated with 2 academic and 3 community centres in south central Ontario, Canada. Patient Population: Adult satellite Hemodialysis patients dialyzing via catheter with healed catheter exit sites. Intervention: STP and standard catheter care; or Control: standard catheter care; Analysis: Each measure of feasibility has its statistical threshold for success. If the threshold is reached in 4 of the 5 measures, the full HIPPO SAT study will be deemed feasible. Discussion: A pilot feasibility study of the larger study is critical due to the potential challenges associated with recruitment, compliance and contamination. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Thesis (M.H.S.A.)--University of Michigan, 1980.

Thesis (M.P.A.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2008. / Description based on contents viewed June 4, 2008; title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references (p. 45-49).

Thesis (M.H.S.A.)--University of Michigan, 1980.

No description available.

Perceived benefits and burdens encountered by relatives caring for person on long-term haemodialysis in Johannesburg. This study examines the perceived benefits and burdens of family members caring for persons on long term Haemodialysis. The caregiver burden scale by Elmastahl, Malmeberg and Annerstedtl (1996) was used for the purposes of the study. The participants were selected by Census (total) sampling. The sample consisted of family caregivers who were 18 years and above who were selected from three haemodialysis units in Johannesburg. Permission to conduct the study was requested and granted from all relevant authorities. One hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed amongst the three haemodialysis units of which seventy nine participants responded to the study. Data were analysed using the statistical package STATA version 12. Demographic data and the caregiver burden scale were analysed through frequency counts, percentages and graphs were constructed from the collected data and analysed. Cross tabulations, using Fisher’s exact test were performed to determine the relationship between the demographic information and factors of the caregiver burden scale. The results are presented in the form of tables and graphs. Semi structured questionnaire with an option for elaboration were analysed using content analysis to enumerate a deeper understanding of the perceived burdens and benefits of caring for a person on Haemodialysis. Findings from the study concluded that family caregivers have encountered both benefits and burdens when caring for a person on Haemodialysis. The following factors have emerged namely demographics which include age, gender, relation to patient, highest education level, employment, ethnicity and duration of care and the factors surrounding general strain, isolation, disappointment, emotional involvement and environment. The factors, whether good or poor, are not always a predictor of perceived benefits and burdens of caring for persons on long term haemodialysis. The overall caregiver burden score, inclusive of all factors, showed a median score of 46.59% of all family caregivers’ experienced burden in caring for their relative on haemodialysis. Health education and support for the family caregivers proved to be a need in improving and reducing the caregiver burden. Caregiver health is quickly becoming a public health care issue that requires a more focused attention from health professionals, policy makers and caregivers themselves to ensure the health and safety of those dedicating their lives to the care of their relatives on haemodialysis.

Hemodialysis patients are at high risk of acquiring a blood stream infection (BSI), the second leading cause of death in this population. The purpose of this project was to create a clinical practice guideline (CPG) based on current evidence-based practice (EBP) that would bring a cohesiveness to the policies and provide an auditing tool to monitor infection control practices. Current literature supports the bundle approach, a small set of EBPs combined as a group of recommended interventions that apply to a specific patient population with the goal of improved delivery of care. The hemodialysis bundle project incorporated the theory of planned behavior to create a set of evidence-based interventions developed from an in-depth review of current, peer-reviewed studies. Three experts reviewed the CPG using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Instrument II; the scores from the 6 domains showed approval of the guideline as it was created with a score of greater than 90%. The three experts were chosen because they are responsible for updating and writing policies for the hemodialysis units. The creation of a CPG to improve infection control practices might benefit hemodialysis staff by providing an organized and cohesive method of following current policies. The new CPG might impact social change by applying current EBP to a clinical practice with end results of improving hemodialysis care and patient outcomes.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--State University of New York at Binghamton, Department of Psychology, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

The Illness Perception Questionnaire - Revised (IPQ - R; Moss-Morris, Weinman, Petrie, Horne, Cameron, & Buick, 2002) was utilized in the current research to better understand and predict fluid adherance in hemodialysis patients. A sample of patients was recruited from three hemodialysis centers in the Los Angeles area and 116 participants completed the Illness Perception Questionnaire - Revised.

No description available.