Effect of Telephone Consultation and Follow-up on Treatment Adherence and Hemodialysis Adequacy in Hemodialysis Patients

Background and Poor adherence is usually a major problem in hemodialysis patients. This study assessed the effect of telephone consultation and follow-up on treatment adherence and dialysis adequacy in hemodialysis patients.
This quasi-experimental study was carried out in Zanjan, Iran 2015-2016. In this study, 86 hemodialysis patients were selected via convenience sampling. Using random allocation method they were divided into two groups (experimental and control). The experimental group recieved two to three face-to-face consultations and a healthy diet at the beginning, and weeks four and eight of the study. Telephone follow up of patients was done for 12 weeks (28 times). Treatment adherence and dialysis adequacy were investigated in both groups (before the intervention, and weeks four, eight and twelve) using URR and Kt/V indices by administiring End- Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ). Meanwhile, patients in control group received routine care and trainings. Data analysis was done applying Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Repeated measures ANOVA.
The mean age of participants was 52±11 years. Male patients included 55.8% of the cases. Dialysis adequacy, patients’ perception and understanding level, and behaviors of adherence in intervention group, in all stages, were significantly higher than those of the control group (P Counseling and telephone follow-up improved treatment adherence and dialysis adequacy, therefore, it is recommended in hemodialysis patients.