PATIENT INFORMATION BEFORE DIALYSIS - A M EDICAL AUDIT

The aim of this audit was to assess the quality of information given t o patients before dialysis and to improve the use of this information on the acceptability of the treatment. Methods were those used in medi cal audit: retrospective data collection in a sample of patients, comp arison to a set of standards given by professionals and recommandation s disseminated in the group of professionals. Results showed that pati ents received a partial information on the various techniques used in dialysis. More complete information is needed. Recommandation consiste d in a specialised team giving a detailed information on the disease a nd the techniques used in dialysis, with a psychological assistance. A fter implementation of this team, re-assessment showed a consistent be nefit of structured information and entailed the necessity to improve the process of information delivery by general practitioners and speci alists.