Teaching peritoneal dialysis in Australia: an opportunity for improvement

Introduction: Up to a 10-fold difference in clinical outcomes between Australian peritoneal dialysis (PD) units exists. There is an international focus on the harmonisation of educational practices in PD to determine whether this may lead to improved patient outcomes.

Aims: Evaluate the current teaching practices of nurses and patients in Australian PD units.

Methods: An online survey with questions on nurse and patient training was made available to PD units in Australia.

Results: Thirty-eight (70%) of 54 PD units in Australia completed the survey. A written standardised curricula was utilised in 21 units (55%) for nursing staff and 30 units (86%) for patients, with 22% and 12% including an electronic delivery component for each group respectively. Universal teaching of adult learning principles was not demonstrated. The hours spent on teaching nursing staff ranged from < 15 hours in 24% to > 100 hours in 21% of units. The average number of hours spent by nurses each day to train patients ranged from < 2 hours in 14% to > 6 hours in 11% of units, with the average total training days ranging from 2-3 days in 14% to over 7 days in 14% of units. Staff and patient competency assessments were performed routinely in 37% and 74% of units respectively.

Conclusions: Considerable differences exist amongst Australian PD units in the education of staff and patients. There is a general lack of delivery and competency assessment to meet educational standards. It remains to be seen if harmonisation of educational curricula can translate to improved clinical outcomes.