The Implications of the Ageing ESRD Population for Renal Nurses
Background: In 2004 there were 7,952 patients on dialysis, which is a 3% increase (Excell and McDonald 2005). Of these patients 45% of them were aged > 65 years, with a 3% increase in the 65-84 year age group. This discussion paper has been developed in association with specialist geriatric clinicians and will provide some handy hints for the management of the aged in functional dialysis units.
Problem: How do we as renal nurses manage the increasing age of our dialysis patients in functioning renal units? There are many problems associated with age in general and include immobility, instability, intellectual impairment, and comorbid disease. These issues are further compounded by the effects related to and the management of ESRD.
Implications for Renal Nurses: The major issue for renal nurses within dialysis units is risk management for both patients and staff. Most renal units are designed for patients who have relatively good physical function and are based on an independence model. The ageing population will be more dependent upon nursing staff and so issues such as design, understanding the normal ageing process, the management of demented patients in units, the management of dialysis patients in aged care facilities, increase in adverse events associated with dialysis, and mode of dialysis which may be most appropriate for the aged patient will need to be considered.