Ongoing studies
- Cannulation Devices for haemodialysis across Europe and its Implications - Result of an international Survey.
- Violence and aggression prevention and management strategies in European renal units: a survey after ten years.
Publications
Experiences of renal healthcare practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-methods approach.
Mc Keaveney, C., Reid, J., Carswell, C., Bonner, A., de Barbieri, I., Johnston, W., Maxwell, A. P., O'Riordan, J., Strini, V., Walsh, I., & Noble, H. (2021). Experiences of renal healthcare practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-methods approach. BMC nephrology, 22(1), 301.
Full Text Mc Keaveney, C., Reid, J., Carswell, C., Bonner, A., de Barbieri, I., Johnston, W., Maxwell, A. P., O'Riordan, J., Strini, V., Walsh, I., & Noble, H. (2021). Experiences of renal healthcare practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-methods approach. BMC nephrology, 22(1), 301.
Summary
Background: Globally, renal healthcare practitioners provide intensive and protracted support to a highly complex multi-morbid patient population however knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 on these practitioners is extremely limited.Objectives: This study aimed to explore the experiences of COVID-19 with renal healthcare practitioners during the first global lockdown between June 2020 and September 2020.
Methods: A multi-methods approach was carried out including a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews. This was a multinational study of renal healthcare practitioners from 29 countries. Quantitative: A self-designed survey on COVID-19 experiences and standardised questionnaires (General Health Questionnaire-12; Maslach Burnout Inventory). Descriptive statistics were generated for numerical data. Qualitative: Online semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data was subjected to thematic analysis. Renal healthcare practitioners (n = 251) completed an online survey. Thirteen renal healthcare practitioners took part in semi-structured interviews (12 nurses and 1 dietician).
Results: The majority of participants surveyed were female (86.9 %; n = 218), nurses (86.9 %; n = 218) with an average 21.5 (SD = 11.1) years' experience since professional qualification, and 16.3 years (SD = 9.3) working in renal healthcare. Survey responses indicated a level of preparedness, training and satisfactory personal protective equipment during the pandemic however approximately 40.3 % experienced fear about attending work, and 49.8 % experienced mental health distress. The highest prevalence of burnout was emotional exhaustion (35.9 %). Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis highlighting the holistic complexities in managing renal healthcare, a neglected specialist workforce, and the need for appropriate support at work during a pandemic.
Conclusion: Results have highlighted the psychological impact, in terms of emotional exhaustion and mental health distress in our sample of renal healthcare practitioners. As the pandemic has continued, it is important to consider the long-term impact on an already stretched workforce including the risk of developing mental health disorders. Future research and interventions are required to understand and improve the provision of psychological support for specialist medical and nursing personnel.
KEYWORDS: Burnout; COVID-19; Healthcare Practitioners; Multi-methods; Renal; Well-being
Awareness, Understanding and Treatment Practices when Managing Cachexia in End‐Stage Kidney Disease
Mckeaveney, C., Noble, H., de Barbieri, I., Strini, V., Maxwell, A. P., & Reid, J. (2020). Awareness, Understanding and Treatment Practices when Managing Cachexia in End-Stage Kidney Disease. Journal of renal care, 46(1), 35–44
Open on Wiley Mckeaveney, C., Noble, H., de Barbieri, I., Strini, V., Maxwell, A. P., & Reid, J. (2020). Awareness, Understanding and Treatment Practices when Managing Cachexia in End-Stage Kidney Disease. Journal of renal care, 46(1), 35–44
Summary
Background: Cachexia is a wasting syndrome found within a range of chronic illnesses/life‐limiting conditions, however awareness and understanding of cachexia amongst renal Health Care Professionals has not been investigated.Objectives: To ascertain the awareness, understanding and treatment practices of Health Care Professionals who provide care for people with cachexia and end‐stage renal disease.
Methods: Health Care Professionals were recruited via the European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association in September 2018. This was an exploratory study using a mixed‐methods approach with those who provide care for patients with end‐stage renal disease and cachexia. An online survey and two focus groups were conducted. Descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis were used to explore current knowledge and practices in renal cachexia.
Results: A total of 93 participants from 30 countries completed the online survey. Twelve Health Care Professionals agreed to participate in the focus groups. Reduced appetite, weight loss and muscle loss in relation to cachexia were accurately described, but the percentage of weight loss was unknown. The importance of multi‐professional collaboration was recognised, however, the current management of cachexia was wide‐ranging. Quality of life, patient‐clinician communication and specialist support for carers were regarded as vital.
Conclusion: Timely identification and management of cachexia are needed to improve the quality of life for patients and appropriately support families. In order for these goals to be achieved, there is a need to increase awareness and understanding of cachexia amongst renal nurses.
KEYWORDS: Cachexia, Clinical practice, End‐stage renal disease, Health care professionals, International survey