An Investigation of the Effect of Continuous Care Model on Compliance with Dietary and Fluid Restrictions in Hemodialysis Patients: A Clinical Trial Study

Compliance with dietary and fluid restrictions is an integral part of treatment in hemodialysis patients. In fact, non-adherence to these restrictions could entail serious consequences. The present study was conducted to explore the impact of continuous care model on compliance with dietary and fluid restrictions in these patients. The current study was a clinical trial with a control group, which was carried out on 98 hemodialysis patients at two hospitals in Tehran. The subjects were chosen via purposive sampling and randomly assigned to the treatment and control groups. The treatment adherence questionnaire was completed by both groups in the pretest. Afterwards, in the treatment group, once the subjects were presented with the educational manual, a continuous care model was implemented for them. The model consisted of four stages, including awareness-raising, sensitization, control, and evaluation. At the end of three consecutive months, the questionnaire was completed. In the control group, the questionnaire was similarly completed except the subjects had not been exposed to any intervention. Data were collected using descriptive tests, chi-square, t-test, and a repeated measures design. The results were analyzed with the SPSS 21 software. The findings showed that the pattern of adherence to dietary and fluid restrictions in the two groups was statistically significant over time (P < 0.001) such that changes in the intervention group were indicative of the positive effects of continuous care on compliance with dietary and fluid restrictions among hemodialysis patients. By implementation of the continuous care model, the patients, through counseling and training, developed a greater adherence to their dietary and fluid restrictions. Hence, it is suggested for ICU nurses to make use of this model to prevent complications and improve quality of life of hemodialysis patients.