Mrs Deanna Shephard1, Mrs Marnie Budd
1Logan Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Deanna is a clinical nurse in the peritoneal dialysis unit at Logan Hospital with 22 years of nursing experience and 18 years in the kidney space. She has a master’s degree in clinical nursing and a passion for shared decision making to optimise patients’ quality of life.
Abstract:
Background:
Patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) experience a significant symptom burden that can adversely affect quality of life (QOL). The International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis recommends routine assessment of patient-reported outcomes.
Aim:
To evaluate longitudinal changes in QOL using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in a PD cohort and assess trends in incremental dialysis
Methods:
PROMs assessments were completed longitudinally between 2023 and 2025. Domains assessed included physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep quality, ability to participate in social roles and activities, pain, and serum albumin at the time of assessment. Dialysis adequacy measures (Kt/V and creatinine clearance [CrCl]) and use of incremental dialysis were reviewed annually. Repeat assessments were completed by 43 patients from 2023–2024 and 23 patients from 2023–2025.
Results:
Dialysis adequacy remained above clinical guideline targets throughout the study period (average Kt/V 1.9–2.2; average CrCl 66.6–81.7 mL/min). The proportion of patients receiving incremental dialysis increased from 15.1% in 2022 to 27.3% in 2025. The proportion of patients reporting overall QOL improvement increased from 32.5% (2023–2024) to 39.1% (2023–2025). Improvements were most frequently observed in anxiety and depression, while declines were more common in fatigue, pain, social participation, and albumin levels.
Conclusion:
PROMs assessment provides valuable insight into QOL changes in PD patients, supporting shared decision-making for patient-centred, goal-directed dialysis. Incremental dialysis was safely expanded while maintaining adequacy targets, offering an opportunity to reduce treatment burden and align care with patient-identified goals.