HEMODIALYSIS-PATIENTS KNOWLEDGE ABOUT ERYTHROPOIETIN AND IRON THERAPY

Objectives of this study were: to measure hemodialysis patients' knowl edge about erythropoietin and iron therapy; to design written educatio nal material to address any perceived deficiencies; and to assess the impact of the educational material on patients' knowledge and understa nding. The study design was to interview, provide written material and re-interview. This study showed that hemodialysis patients were defic ient in their knowledge about erythropoietin and iron therapy. The ris k of deficiency was higher if patients were older than 60 years or if they had not completed high school. Written educational materials help ed rectify this deficit. We recommend that patients receive written in formation to reinforce verbal instruction regarding their medications and that counseling be especially aimed at high-risk populations. We a lso recommend that written material be aimed at a reading level below eighth grade.