Schooling of adult patients on dialysis

Abstract

Introduction: The educational level of patients is one of the variables included in the Dialysis Registry. Early school leaving has a negative impact on self-care and quality of life. In our center we attend an adult population in which illiterate individuals and patients with incomplete primary education are registered. We present our experience in the implementation of a schooling program during dialysis. Methods: As headquarters, we have been participating in the Permanent Education Program for Young and Adult Subjects of the Province of Buenos Aires since 2011, offering schooling to patients with incomplete primary education. For such purpose a Program’s teacher adapts the pedagogical modality to the context of the dialysis session, a psychologist accompanies the process and a social worker performs the socio-economic evaluation. Results: Between 2011 and 2018, 23 patients were included; the average age was 58.1 years and the average dialysis time was 48 months. There was no significant difference with respect to age, sex, time on hemodialysis and etiology of end stage renal disease between program patients and the rest of the population. One patient achieved literacy and 6 graduated from primary school; 16 dropped out, the most frequent causes being the worsening of the disease and death. Conclusions: Schooling with an appropriate pedagogical modality while on dialysis allows capitalizing on time during sessions, improving self-esteem, self-care and quality of life.