Nurses' Perception and Insight Into Uremic Pruritus in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease on Dialysis: A Survey-Based Study

Abstract

Background

Uremic pruritus is a quite common condition among patients with chronic kidney disease. Symptom severity and patterns are variable.

Aim

To assess how nurses in the field of nephrology perceive the issue of uremic pruritus in dialysis patients and the relevance of this condition.

Design

A qualitative survey-based study.

Participants

Nurses working in the field of nephrology.

Methods

Nurses were administered an online survey with a 10-item survey (5 on socio-demographics, 5 specific to nephrology). Responses were reported in descriptive form and response rates.

Results

The study involved 185 nurses working in the field of nephrology, most of which were over the age of 40, and 39% had over 20 years of experience. Most perceived that uremic pruritus has decreased over the years thanks to better dialysis methods and that it is currently independent of the type of dialysis. Fifty-two percent estimate pruritus affects half or more of patients, and 47.6% that it affects only a minority. 75% estimate moderate-to-severe uremic pruritus involves between 1 and 3 cases every 10 patients (40.5% estimating ≤3/10 patients and 34.6% ≤1/10 patients), and 25% it affects at least half of patients. 41% estimate that more than half the patients do not find relief from PU to prevent it from impairing their quality of life.

Conclusions

The results highlight a large divergence in the perception of uremic pruritus among nurses. While this evidence the need for greater awareness on uremic pruritus, this also suggests a privileged role for nurses in detecting uremic pruritus occurrence and properly referring patients to nephrologist.