Stand by ME’ - Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis Confers Equivalent QUALITY-OF-LIFE and Emotional Well Being Outcomes to Self Care Peritoneal Dialysis for Patients and CAREGIVERS.
K. Griva1, C.S. Goh1, Z.L. Yu1, S.Y. Yu2, K. Thanaletchumi2, CM, M. Foo2
1National University of Singapore, Department of Psychology, Singapore
2Singapore General Hospital, Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore
Introduction: Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) involving family members allows more patients to get started on home-based dialysis with good clinical outcomes. The impact of assisted PD on patient and caregiver is not well understood. This study aimed to compare assisted-PD vs. self-care PD on adjustment outcomes for patients and caregivers. Methods: N=231 PD patients (89/142 assisted PD/self-care) completed measures of QOL and emotional distress. Caregivers (N=112) completed the Lay Care-Giving for Adults Receiving Dialysis questionnaire and Zarit Burden Interview. Findings: Casemix adjusted comparisons indicated comparable QOL between assisted-PD and self-care PD in all dimensions with the exception of the SF-12 physical component score) and the KDQOL- effects of kidney disease in favor of the self-care group (<.01). Levels of anxiety and depression were equivalent. Caregiver of assisted-PD patients reported more task orientated-duties (p < .01) yet levels of perceived burden were equal to family members of self-care PD. Discussion: Our findings of equivalent caregiver and patient outcomes in assisted-PD and self-care PD support the expansion of assisted PD utilization.