Author

Adele Curtis

Date Approved

3-18-2013

Date Posted

9-19-2013

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Health Sciences

Committee Member

Alice Jo Rainville, PhD, RD, CHE, SNS, Chair

Committee Member

Janie Kane, MEd, RD, LDN

Abstract

In-center dialysis patients have multiple physicians involved in their care related to complications of end stage renal disease and the start of dialysis. This study reviewed the number of physicians involved in the participants’ (n=41) care and determined if it was associated with medication compliance and additionally assessed the in-center dialysis facility staff’s ability to keep up-to-date home medication orders. Participant interviews, home medication reviews, and reconciliations were completed. The average number of medications ordered per participant was 11.58, and 37% of all medications ordered needed corrections made to the home medication orders. The average number of physicians per participant was 3.66, and 66% of participants reported noncompliance with some part of their medication regime. Results showed no correlation between the number of physicians involved in participants’ care and medication compliance. Participants with a higher number of medications had lower compliance.

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