Implementing an Interactive Educational Intervention to Increase Knowledge on Phosphorus Diet and Binder Adherence in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis

Background: Maintaining low serum phosphorus (PO4) levels is recommended in patients receiving hemodialysis through a low phosphorus diet and binder medication compliance, however this remains a struggle for many patients. The literature shows that educational interventions focused on phosphate management can increase patients’ knowledge and improve patient outcomes. Purpose: To implement an educational intervention focused on low phosphorus diet and adherence to binder regimen to increase patients’ knowledge base, receiving hemodialysis at an outpatient unit at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital. Methods: An interactive educational intervention involving two 30-minute, one-to-one counseling sessions with educational materials including short videos and a take-home pamphlet were given to patients receiving hemodialysis at an outpatient unit in a VA hospital over three weeks. Demographics, pre/post surveys, and a satisfaction survey were collected. Results: Following the intervention, all participants reported increased knowledge on adherence to a low phosphorus diet and phosphate binder prescription. A paired samples t-test showed a statistically significant increase in the test scores from pre to post results. Conclusion: Findings from the quality improvement (QI) project show that a focused and interactive educational intervention about phosphorus diet and binder adherence can increase knowledge in patients receiving hemodialysis. One-to-one sessions with interactive videos, discussion, and pamphlets are successful means to engage the patient in learning new material. Keywords: hemodialysis education, interventions, compliance, diet, phosphoru