Support and enable individuals undergoing dialysis and their carers to carry out dialysis procedures
Overview
This standard covers supporting and enabling individuals undergoing dialysis and their carers to carry out dialysis procedures at home. This applies to all types of renal dialysis therapy. You are expected to give both routine and emergency help and advice. The routine support may be part of a structured training and education programme for individuals who are moving over to home therapy.
It is recognised within this standard that support and advice will always be given as part of an overall plan of care determined by relevant practitioners, within the care team.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
P2. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and others in supporting and enabling individuals undergoing dialysis and their carers to carry out dialysis procedures
P3. provide support to the individual and carers, ensuring that you respect their rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs and dignity
P4. apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control and other relevant health and safety measures
P5. check the individual's identity and confirm the planned activity
P6. establish consent and access information on supporting and enabling individuals undergoing dialysis and their carers to carry out dialysis procedures
P7. establish with the individual and their carer how much assistance they require and encourage them to be as self-managing as possible consistent with the plan of care
P8. give the individual and/or their carer appropriate support and assistance to:
a. prepare the necessary resources
b. prepare the skin area
c. clean their hands effectively
P9. answer any specific queries and questions from the individual and/or their carer accurately or seek advice from an appropriate member of the care team
P10. encourage the individual and/or their carer to carry out the activity using the correct technique at appropriate times according to the plan of care
P11. enable the individual and/or their carer to recognise progress and problems with the activity and either cease the activity or seek advice where necessary
P12. seek advice immediately from the appropriate relevant practitioner if there are any indications which may signify the activity is no longer appropriate or there are adverse reactions
P13. enable the individual and/or their carer to dispose of waste materials, and understand the reasons for doing so, in an appropriate safe manner and place
P14. give full and accurate details of how to seek help in case of difficulties with dialysis to the individual and/or their carer in an appropriate manner, level and pace
P15. complete all relevant documentation required for supporting and enabling individuals undergoing dialysis and their carers to carry out dialysis procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions, legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols needed to support and enable individuals undergoing dialysis and their carers to carry out dialysis procedures
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K4. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
K5. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K6. the needs of individuals and carers including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
K7. the importance of applying standard infection control precautions to individuals undergoing dialysis and their carers to carry out dialysis procedures at home and the potential consequences of poor practice
K8. the importance of giving advice and information in a manner, level and pace which is appropriate for the individual and/or their carer
K9. what is hazardous and non-hazardous waste and how it can be disposed of safely
K10. the effects of dependence and independence on the individual, their carers and the provision of the service in relation to carrying out dialysis procedures
K11. the concerns which individuals may have in relation to their procedures and treatment
K12. the contra-indications or adverse reactions to the procedures and how to explain these, and the actions they should take, to the individual/carer without causing undue alarm
K13. the ways in which individuals can be helped to prepare for different activities, including holidays, changing the dialysis regime or route, and social events; the appropriate steps to take and the potential side effects
K14. how the individual can adapt the treatment to their personal needs and lifestyle without compromising the treatment
K15. how you can assist in reducing anxiety levels in an individual and/or carer when carrying out dialysis procedures
K16. the equipment and materials needed to carry out dialysis at home and how to explain and demonstrate to the individual/carer:
a. how and where to store them
b. how to clean and maintain them
c. the specific precautions they should take in relation to preventing infection
d. how to use them correctly
e. the common problems they may encounter when carrying out dialysis at home and how they should deal with these
K17. methods of assessing the ability of the individual/carer in carrying out dialysis procedures
K18. how to provide constructive feedback to the individual/carer on any aspects of the dialysis procedures they need alter to ensure effective dialysis at home
K19. the importance of encouraging the individual/carer to keep accurate notes on problems/issues they want to discuss with members of the care team
K20. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements