The purpose of this study is to develop recommendations to assist in improving the current peritoneal dialysis (PD) program in a Hospital in Chinandega, Nicaragua. This project will consist of a needs assessment, a review of aggregate quantitative patient data from hospital records, and a knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) assessment for medical providers, laboratory technicians, patients and primary caregivers. The final report will be used to obtain funding for the implementation of the recommendations.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
60
Identification of needs of the PD program
This outcome will be measured by filling out a pre-designed checklist based on national and international guidelines, including equipment, material and staffing needs.
Time frame: Hospital visits for the duration of 1 week
Adherence to established protocols on administering PD treatment in the hospital
This outcome will be measured by filling out a validated checklist of steps that need to be performed by the healthcare provider while PD is administered in the Hospital
Time frame: 3 days of observation sessions for the duration of 8 hours
Levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards PD of healthcare providers, laboratory staff patients and primary caregivers
This outcome will be measured by administering a questionnaire to the participants of 4 respective groups (healthcare providers, laboratory staff, patients, primary caregivers). The questionnaire will contain sections on (1) demographic information/professional affiliation with the program, (2) knowledge of PD, (3) attitudes towards PD, (4) practices regarding PD, and (5) perceived needs of the program. The levels of knowledge will be classified in four categories: 1) very good, 2) good, 3) regular, 4) poor. Attitudes will be classified as either positive or negative. Practices will be classified as either good or bad.
Time frame: Interviews of each group for the duration of 1 week
Prevalence of peritonitis and causative agents
This outcome will be measured by identifying pathogens in patients' dialysate liquid and estimating the overall percentage of patients with peritonitis.
Time frame: Sample collections according to PD patients' appointment times during one week and culturing of samples for 72 hours
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