Overview
Summary
Nocturnal haemodialysis is a model of care that promotes patient self-management and leads to improved health and outcomes, while also representing a valuable renal service improvement. The Darling Downs Kidney Service has made dialysis equipment available in the Toowoomba Hospital dialysis unit for patients whose homes are unsuitable for home dialysis.
Key dates
Jul 2019
Implementation sites
Toowoomba Hospital Dialysis Unit, DDHHS
Partnerships
AKC20206 Collaborative
Aim
Improves access to dialysis care by providing patients with more options of when and where they are able to dialyse.
Outcomes
Patients with kidney disease
- Supports independency, self-management and control of individual healthcare
- Assists improved quality of life e.g. enabling a better work-life balance
- Aids improved kidney health outcomes, with the ability to have dialysis for longer and more often (which improves fluid and diet restrictions, and can reduce the need for some medications)
- Means a person is able to dialyse while they sleep, freeing their days for a better work-life balance.
- Empowers patients to reach their life and healthcare goals
- Aids improved health and well-being
Clinicians / system manger
- Availability of specialised infrastructure combined with empowered staff supports a model of care that provides flexible, innovative and patient centric health service provisionCan be supported in a number of ways, including for patients that aren’t able to dialyse in their own home for various reasons
- Access to models of care that support independent dialysis releases resources for the support of more high needs/complex patients
- Supporting a specialised workforce that nurtures home and independent dialysis has a cost saving benefit for the health system, with (selected) improved patient quality of life and health benefits
Background
Nocturnal haemodialysis is an established model of care. Location is, by preference, usually in a person’s own home but if this isn’t feasible e.g. renting, alternative accommodation can be considered but may not always available. The opening of the new, purpose built, DDHHS home dialysis renal facility in 2019 provided this accommodation option.
Methods
The opening of the new DDHHS home dialysis renal facility enables select patients to independently and safely dialyse overnight who would otherwise not have this option if their own home environment wasn’t suitable. This option includes access, safety and security considerations, with patients provided with a swipe card or key card to enter, in addition to provision of items such as TV, phone and kitchenette.
Discussion
This model of care is made possible by innovative, specialised and dedicated staff who support patients to access care that responds to their personal situation and is their choice.
This provides a valuable option for self-management.
Evaluation of the model is in the successful uptake by patients in undertaking safe and independent haemodialysis, and in this case, in the utilisation of a newly built renal service facility that provides the physical resources.
Lessons learnt
It takes positive intent, communication, skills and resourcing to support a health service and a consumer voice. “Research shows that partnering with consumers delivers positive results for both health organisations and health consumers/carers, better health outcomes for all and more accessible and responsive services” (Ref: HCQ Partnering with Consumers).
References
New renal home dialysis service
Further Reading
Key contact
Dr Sridevi Govindarajulu
Director, Renal Service, DDHHS
Darling Downs HHS