Abstract: FR-PO814
The Practices and Views of US and Canadian Nephrologists, Nurses, and Allied Health Professionals Regarding Exercise and Physical Activity for People Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis
Session Information
- Health Maintenance, Nutrition, Metabolism - II
November 03, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
- 1500 Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Authors
- Bennett, Paul N., Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
- Bohm, Clara, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Zimmerman, Deborah Lynn, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- MacRae, Jennifer M., Global Renal Exercise Network, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Harasemiw, Oksana, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Ford, Emilie, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Verdin, Nancy, Global Renal Exercise Network, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Gabrys, Iwona, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Stewart, Krista D., University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Thompson, Stephanie E., University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Background
In the US and Canada people receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) are frequently sedentary and experience poor physical function. This creates clinical challenges because basic physical function is required to maintain independence for this home-based therapy. The aim of this study was to explore exercise-related practices and perceptions of nephrologists, PD nurses and allied health clinicians across the US and Canada.
Methods
Secondary analysis of an international cross-sectional 13-item web-based survey of PD health professionals, exploring perspectives and practices regarding exercise for people receiving PD. Recruitment in the US and Canada was done through professional nephrology networks including the American Society of Nephrology, the Canadian Society of Nephrology, the American Nephrology Nurses’ Association and the Canadian Association of Nephrology Nurses and Technicians.
Results
211 clinicians (88 nephrologists, 87 nurses and 36 allied health professionals) responded from the US (49%) and Canada (51%) with most (72%) reporting greater than 2 years PD experience. Most respondents (89%) believed PD patients could perform more exercise than they currently do. Most respondents (86%) agreed that structured exercise programs would be beneficial for people receiving PD. Eighty-six percent stated that PD patients would benefit from exercise professionals, however, only 27% of Canadian and 4% of US clinics had exercise professionals involved in programs. Sixty-one percent agreed and 34% were unsure whether people receiving PD could perform abdominal strengthening exercises safely. Seventy-three percent of PD programs had formal guidelines for swimming, 78% for lifting, 63% for falls, and 78% for physical activity resumption following PD catheter insertion.
Conclusion
US and Canadian PD health professionals recognize the importance of exercise in people receiving PD and most programs have exercise-related policies. Even though there are few dedicated PD exercise programs in the US and Canada, most clinicians believed that exercise professionals and structured exercise programs would benefit people receiving PD.