Improved Quality of Life in the Pediatric Patient on Hemodialysis: Academic Success with Implementation of a Full-Time Schoolteacher

摘要

Children living with kidney failure who are on hemodialysis are at risk for having a poor quality of life. Within the pediatric hemodialysis unit, patients were not receiving adequate educational services. Alternative school options available for patients on hemodialysis were insufficient to meet their needs. This deficit contributed to patients' academic failures, and decreased their self-esteem and quality of life. To improve academic services for patients on hemodialysis, a full-time schoolteacher was employed. The addition of the hemodialysis schoolteacher supported patients' academic success, which led to a significant improvement in the patients' quality of life.