Ms Jacqui Moustakas1, Ms Margaret Golding1, Airisse Cortez1
1RPAH – Dialysis, Sydney, Australia
Biography:
Bio to come
Abstract:
Background:
People receiving long-term haemodialysis often experience emotional and social challenges, including isolation, treatment fatigue, and feeling disconnected from everyday life. Dialysis staff may also experience emotional fatigue due to the demanding and repetitive nature of the work. While clinical outcomes remain the main focus of care, opportunities to support wellbeing, joy, and meaningful connection within dialysis units are limited.
Aim:
To describe a nurse-led program using monthly themed activities to help patients and staff feel more connected, supported, and part of a community within a dialysis unit.
Methods:
A monthly themed initiative was introduced in a haemodialysis unit, with patients, staff, and family members invited to participate. Each month featured a different theme. Over two consecutive years, Christmas activities expanded to include a choir involving a former dialysis patient who had received a kidney transplant and wished to give back to the unit. Informal observations, patient responses, and staff reflections were collected over time.
Results:
The initiative ran every month and was welcomed by both patients and staff. Patients seemed happier and more socially engaged, while staff reported improved morale and a renewed sense of purpose in the care of their patients. Involving non-clinical staff and former patients helped create a stronger sense of belonging across the unit.
Conclusion:
This low-cost, nurse-led initiative demonstrates how inclusive and creative activities can enhance wellbeing and connection in dialysis units and support a more holistic, person-centred approach to renal nursing care.