Rajesh Kumar Sharma
Himalayan College of Nursing, India
Title: Need-based instructional program on care competency of informal caregivers for chronic renal failure patients at home
Biography
Biography: Rajesh Kumar Sharma
Abstract
Introduction: Majority of patients with Chronic Renal Failure (CRF), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) depends on their family and friends to manage their chronic illness throughout the course of illness. Appropriate home care of CKD can help to prevent or delay the progression of illness.
Aim & Methods: A pre-experimental study with quantitative approach was undertaken on 45 caregivers of CKD patients with the objective to study the improvement in competency regarding home care through administration of an instructional program and information booklet. The program and the booklet consisted information on nutritional management, rest and exercises, psychological support and communication, fistula care, maintaining skin integrity and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balances in CKD patients. Subsequently knowledge and skills of care givers regarding care at home was assessed.
Results: The mean difference of knowledge score was statistically significant (t=19.156) at 0.05 level of significance. The mean difference in practice score was statistically significant at 0.05 level of significance. The results suggested that instructional program regarding home care was effective in terms of enhancing knowledge and practice score among caregivers of CRF patients.
Conclusion: Educating the caregivers of CKD patients about importance of specialized care will help in providing optimum care in patients of CKD.