Peritoneal dialysis is a form of kidney treatment performed by the patient in the home (CAPD, APD) or occasionally in the ward (IPD), with the support of a multidisciplinary team.
Patients receiving treatment with peritoneal dialysis are regularly reviewed at home by specialist nurses and more formally by a consultant nephrologist in this specialist clinic. Patients can discuss their general health, adequacy of dialysis, kidney transplant status and any new and ongoing problems related to the practicalities of peritoneal dialysis. A physical examination, including blood pressure and weight is performed and medicines and dialysis regimes are reviewed.
Patients receiving peritoneal dialysis have blood tests at each clinic. Patients who are managing their dialysis without problems may only be required to attend clinic every 3 months but new patients or patients who require closer monitoring are seen more frequently.
Approximately 2 months after starting peritoneal dialysis patients are required to do two special tests – an adequacy test and a peritoneal equilibrium test.
Adequacy is a measure of the quality of the peritoneal dialysis treatment.
Peritoneal equilibrium indicates how long the dialysis fluid needs to be in the peritoneum to remove sufficient toxins and fluid from the body. Based on the results of these tests, changes in the dialysis prescription may sometimes be necessary.
The tests are repeated every 6-12 months. Comparison of adequacy is made against national standards to ensure the delivery of high quality care. Patients are reviewed regularly in clinic by specialist renal dietitians. Liaison with other specialties and members of the renal team can also be organised.
This clinic is held weekly but patients can also be reviewed for training, or when problems arise, either at home by one of the PD specialist nurses or in the peritoneal dialysis unit in our renal outpatient department.
What you can expect
Your dialysis records and blood results will be reviewed.
Please bring a list of your medicines with you. A detailed letter will be sent to your GP and you will be asked if you would like a copy for your records.
