Evaluation research on the effectiveness of social work intervention on dialysis patients: The first three months

The research reported in this article examined the effectiveness of a dedic ated, timed, recurring Master's level social work intervention with patient s new to dialysis. Study participants were evaluated for depression and lev els of adjustment when first beginning dialysis and three months later. A c ontrol group received standard, mandated social work services while the exp erimental group received an additional counseling component. The experiment al group showed statistically significant changes over time in lowered leve ls of depression and maladjustment.