AN OVERVIEW OF NURSES' MANAGEMENT OF SECONDARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM: HOW IS EUROPE DOING?

SUMMARY Background Nurses have an important role to play in the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). An online survey conducted by the European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA) in conjunction with Amgen (Europe) GmbH surveyed nephrology nurses’ knowledge of secondary hyperparathyroidism, treatment targets, current treatments, patient adherence and nephrology nurse training education needs. The survey's aim was to establish common practices being used by nurses in the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism and to identify nephrology nurses’ training and educational needs in order to improve patient care. Methods Design: Descriptive study. Measurements: An online survey of multiple choice and closed questions. Participants: A sample of nephrology nurses from Spain, Italy, France and the Netherlands. Results A total of 111 nurses completed the questionnaire (98% response rate, 82% of which were fully completed). Collected data revealed that there were specific aspects of SHPT patient management where nurses lacked confidence, despite the majority of respondents having 15 years nephrology nursing experience. These aspects included explaining the disorder and therapies to patients, managing side effects of drugs and appreciating the significance of controlling biochemical targets. Over 40% of the respondents felt they did not have sufficient training to support patients who were non-compliant. Conclusion Nursing skills are integral to SHPT patient management as part of the multidisciplinary approach. The nurse's role is particularly important in patient assessment and monitoring, and in the provision of patient education and support, particularly with treatment adherence. Nephrology nurses who are better informed about SHPT and who receive training on practical patient care may improve the care of patients.