End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing dialysis face much stress and have to make adjustments in their lives. To optimize health and improve quality of life, rehabilitation of renal patients is a necessity. Renal rehabilitation includes physical, social, psychological, and vocational elements. We established a renal rehabilitation program—including predialysis education, in-center training, and community rehabilitation—in our regional dialysis unit. The program is organized by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals with the help of a renal-patient support group. A patient who joined the rehabilitation program showed significant lifestyle change.
OberleyE.T., SadlerJ.H., AltP.S.Renal rehabilitation: Obstacles, progress, and prospects for the future.Am J Kidney Dis2000; 35(Suppl 1): S141–7.
2.
RasgonS., SchwankovskyL., James–RogersA., WidrowL., GlickJ., ButtsE.An intervention for employment maintenance among blue-collar workers with end-stage renal disease.Am J Kidney Dis1993; 22: 403–12.
3.
OberleyE.T., ComptonA.Nursing interventions for rehabilitating renal patients.ANNA J1994; 21: 407–11.
4.
Life Options Rehabilitation Advisory Council.Exercise and the ESRD patient.Contemp Dial Nephrol1995; 16: 16–17,20,34.
5.
McCarleyP.B., CarlsonL.L.Promoting exercise in the hemodialysis patient.Nephrol Nurs Today1995; 5: 1–6.
6.
CarneyR.M., McKevittP.M., GoldbergA.P., HagbergJ., DelmezJ.A., HarterH.R.Psychological effects of exercise training in hemodialysis patients.Nephron1983; 33: 179–81.
