Rehabilitation and dialysis: a collaborative program.

Abstract

Persons with end-stage renal disease who receive dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) are candidates for rehabilitation when stroke, amputation, or debilitation affects their ability to function independently. A collaborative program between the rehabilitation and dialysis departments was developed to enable dialysis clients to participate fully in a rehabilitation program while they undergo dialysis treatments. Clients receiving hemodialysis are treated in the dialysis department three times week, while peritoneal dialysis clients are treated on the nursing unit. All dialysis clients receive the same therapy program as other rehabilitation clients do, with modifications as necessary. Hemodialysis clients may receive therapy during dialysis as deemed appropriate by the interdisciplinary team, which includes the dialysis nurses.