The renal failure diagnosis with the necessity of dialysis is a significant milestone for each patient in his/her life. At present,dialysis is performed in most patients at the recommendation of healthcare professionals in dialysis centres and limits patients primarily by its time-consuming nature. Baxter brings a modern and gentle treatment method – peritoneal dialysis that patients may perform at the comfort of their own homes. This treatment method significantly increases the quality of life of patients and is an ideal bridge to kidney transplantation. However, the awareness of this method in the Czech Republic is rather low.
Peritoneal dialysis was one of the principal topics of the EDTNA/ERCA (European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association) international conference held in Prague this year. In addition to benefits of so far not so widely used treatment, the conference discussed the essential role of the healthcare staff, primarily nurses who contribute to quality life of patients to a large extent. Their role is essential predominantly in terms of education and assistance to patients with informed decisions.