OUTCOMES AND INTERVENTIONS IN HEMODIALYSIS-PATIENTS

The outcome of hemodialysis therapy is usually measured in terms of bi ochemical responses. Patient well-being, measured as general health st atus (GHS), can also define outcome. GHS encompasses patients' subject ive assessment of how health, well-being and function are influenced b y disease and therapy. GHS can be quantified using the Medical Outcome s Study Short Form 20 (MOS SF-20). This instrument was administered lo ngitudinally to our hemodialysis population for 1 year. Significant po sitive and negative predictors were identified, and case studies illus trate the influence of these predictors. MOS SF-20 data can also be us ed to evaluate the effect of therapeutic interventions. The measuremen t of GHS adds a useful, new dimension to the care of renal patients.