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Teaching peritoneal dialysis in Australia: An opportunity for improvement
Author(s) -
Boudville Neil,
Cho Yeoungjee,
Equinox KeriLu,
Figueiredo Ana Elizabeth,
Hawley Carmel M,
Howard Kirsten,
Johnson David W,
Jose Matthew,
Lee Anna,
Maley Moira Alison,
Moodie JoAnne,
Pascoe Elaine M,
Steiner Genevieve Z,
Tomlins Melinda,
Voss David,
Chow Josephine
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
nephrology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1440-1797
pISSN - 1320-5358
DOI - 10.1111/nep.12992
Subject(s) - medicine , peritoneal dialysis , curriculum , nursing , harmonization , nursing staff , focus group , family medicine , surgery , psychology , pedagogy , physics , marketing , acoustics , business
Up to a 10‐fold difference in clinical outcomes between Australian peritoneal dialysis (PD) units exists. There is an international focus on the harmonization of educational practices in PD to determine whether this may lead to improved patient outcomes. Aims The aim of this paper is to evaluate the current teaching practices of nurses and patients in Australian PD units. Methods An online survey with questions on nurse and patient training was made available to PD units in Australia. Results Thirty‐eight (70%) of 54 PD units in Australia completed the survey. A written standardized curricula was utilized in 21 units (55%) for nursing staff and 30 units (79%) for patients, with 23% and 12% including an electronic delivery component for each group, respectively. Universal teaching of adult learning principles was not demonstrated. The hours spent on teaching nursing staff ranged from <15 h in 24% to >100 h in 21% of units. The average number of hours spent by nurses each day to train patients ranged from <2 h in 14% to >6 h in 11% of units, with the average total training days ranging from 2 to 3 days in 14% to over 7 days in 14% of units. Staff and patient competency assessments were performed routinely in 37% and 74% of units, respectively. Conclusions Considerable differences exist amongst Australian PD units in the education of staff and patients. There is a general lack of delivery and competency assessment to meet educational standards. It remains to be seen if harmonization of educational curricula can translate to improved clinical outcomes.