Practical strategies for enhancing patient education in hemodialysis clinics

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• Time constraints
• Low literacy challenges
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ALTHOUGH THE RENAL dietitian is responsible for nutrition education, a team approach should be nurtured as we strive to motivate our patients to adhere to their renal diets, fluid limitations, medications, dialysis treatments, etc. Include and educate your nurses, social workers, and especially patient care technicians when designing incentive programs and events, and sign them up as “coaches” and “cheerleaders.” Post a “patient target list” each month at the nurse’s station as a reminder of which patients need extra coaching. Ask your teammates to be your eyes and ears, and don’t forget to reward them along the way, too!

Including the entire dialysis team and encouraging participation in patient education efforts can only help to increase the chances of success.

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Time constraints 

As workloads increase, priorities and time constraints may not allow for developing patient incentive contests or playing interactive games. Keep it simple by providing patients (and staff) with ready-made educational visuals, word searches, or crossword puzzles. Offer small rewards for those who complete puzzles. Every few months, create a low-maintenance display on bulletin boards, doors, or walls. Provide educational materials and recipes in a “help yourself” shelf in the waiting area or clinic.

For an easy monthly incentive contest, try printing two laboratory report cards—one for the patient and another to place in a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place raffle box. After reviewing laboratory values with a patient and determining their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd placing (perhaps based on phosphorus levels, percent decrease, etc), the patient watches his duplicate report card being dropped into the appropriate raffle box. Each month a raffle takes place for a prize in each category.

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Low literacy challenges 

Create educational materials using simple language with as many visuals as possible. The subject matter of handouts should be single-concept and around the 4th to 6th grade reading level. Use videotapes and audiotapes whenever possible. Create displays with real-life objects that are relevant to your patients. Consider conducting a supermarket tour for a hands-on approach to label reading. Be sensitive to various cultures and/or religions, and attempt to recognize the different traditions and holidays.

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