Encourage and support individuals undergoing dialysis therapy

This standard covers encouraging and supporting individuals undergoing dialysis therapy, both haemodialysis and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), to optimise their own health and enabling them, and their carers, to carry out dialysis procedures.

The standard also covers supporting individuals undergoing dialysis, and their carers, to adjust to changes brought about by the individual's condition and treatment. It is recognised within this standard that support and advice will always be given as part of an overall plan of care determined by relevant practitioners within the care team. Individuals may be undergoing dialysis therapy in a clinical setting or at home.

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
7. provide support to the individual and carers and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
8. check the individual's identity and confirm the planned activity
9. give the individual relevant information, support and reassurance in a manner which is sensitive to their needs and concerns
10. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with organisational procedures
11. establish with the individual and their carer how much assistance they require and encourage them to take an active role in treatment activities and decisions

12. give full and accurate information and appropriate encouragement and support to the individual to enable them to be as self-managing as possible in:

    • taking their medication as prescribed
    • caring for the dialysis access site and how to recognise and report any changes
    • preparing the necessary resources and skin area and to clean their hands effectively prior to connecting dialysis equipment
    • carrying out the activity using the correct technique at appropriate times according to the plan of care
    • disposing of waste materials in an appropriate safe manner and place and to understand the reasons for doing so
      

13. reinforce information and advice given by the relevant practitioner relating to:

    • diet and activity
    • potential health problems which may arise because of the individual's condition and therapy
      

14. enable the individual and/or their carer to recognise progress and problems with the activity and either cease the activity or seek advice where necessary

15. seek advice immediately from the appropriate relevant practitioner if there are any indications which may signify the activity is no longer appropriate or there are adverse reactions
16. give full and accurate details of how to seek help in case of difficulties with dialysis to the individual and/or their carer in an appropriate manner, level and pace
17. encourage and support the individual and their carer to seek further information or clarification on any points of which they are unsure
18. positively encourage the individual and their carer to express their feelings, wishes, needs and concerns regarding the individual's condition, treatment and related changes
19. give information on ways of adjusting to or coping with changes which are appropriate to the individual's personal beliefs, preferences and circumstances
20. explore options for adjusting to and/or coping with changes with the individual and/ or their carer in a manner which recognises and respects their personal needs, beliefs and preferences and in line with your role
21. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements
    

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual 
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. the needs of individuals and carers including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
11. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
12. the importance of applying standard precautions to the encouragement and support of individuals undergoing dialysis therapy and the potential consequences of poor practice
13. how individuals and/or their carer can seek help in case of difficulties
14. the importance of supporting and reinforcing information given in the plan of care
15. the importance of giving advice and information in a manner, level and pace which is appropriate for the individual and their carer
16. the importance of individuals and their carers being actively involved in their treatment and decisions relating to their care.
17. the importance of providing responses, information and support which are appropriate to individual's needs, concerns and personal beliefs, preferences and circumstances
18. what aspects of dialysis access site care can be undertaken by the individual themselves, and how this relates to individualised plans of care
19. the knowledge and information which is needed by individuals in relation to caring for their own dialysis access site, including the restrictions and requirements of their particular type of access site
20. where individuals and/or their carers can access additional information in relation to caring for their own dialysis
21. which types of medication are commonly taken by individuals undergoing renal dialysis and why it is important that they are taken as prescribed
22. the common health problems and their signs and symptoms which individuals undergoing renal dialysis may experience, relating both to their condition and to the therapy they are receiving,
23. what individuals need to do if health problems occur
24. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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3

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHCHS27

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Haemodialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, CAPD

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