Abstract

HERNANDEZ MORENO, Laura; PERINANGO, Romy Judy  and  CASANOVAS IZQUIERDO, Eva. Influence of education provided by nurses to patients and their primary caregivers in monitoring serum phosphorus. Enferm Nefrol [online]. 2014, vol.17, n.2, pp.92-97. ISSN 2255-3517.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S2254-28842014000200002.

Due to the advanced age of the population, the figure of the primary caregiver to monitor and take responsibility for their care is most needed. The aim of study is to evaluate the effectiveness of health education to patients and their primary caregivers in decreasing serum phosphorus. A study of 20 months duration was carried out with a sample of 70 patients divided into two groups; a control group which received no additional education and a study group which receives specific education for phosphorus control and diet; in the latter group, dependent patients who required a primary caregiver were identified. These primary caregivers also received health education. Delta Test was used to identify the degree of dependency. Our study found that 52.9% of our patients were independent; 48.2% had mild dependence, and 4.3%, moderate dependence. The analysis of the results revealed a significant decrease in serum phosphorus level in the study group; obtaining that 21% of these patients whose phosphorus levels were above 5.5 mg / dl were reduced to the recommended normal levels (3 - 5.5 mg / dl). We can conclude that the involvement of nurses in patient education and their primary caregivers is necessary and fundamental to achieve adequate clinical outcomes.

Keywords : Primary caregiver; Serum phosphorus; Health education.

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