AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND NEPHROLOGISTS’ AND DIETITIANS’ EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PRACTICES AND PERCEPTIONS RELATED TO PEOPLE RECEIVING PERITONEAL DIALYSIS
Paul Bennett1, Nicole Scholes-Robertson2, Dev Jegatheesan3, Brett Tarca4, Leanne Brown5, Kelly Lambert6 1Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia2Flinders University, Alice Springs, NT, Australia3Princess Alexandria Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia4University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia5Cape York Kidney Care Weipa Hospital, Weipa, QLD, Australia6University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
Abstract
Aim: To explore exercise-related perceptions and practices of nephrologists and renal dietitians across Australia and New Zealand.
Background: Low activity levels and poor physical function are associated with technique failure and mortality in people receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Adequate levels of physical function are required to maintain independence for people choosing this predominantly home-based therapy. The physical activity levels of people receiving PD are not well known and may be influenced by the practices and perceptions of nephrologists and dietitians.
Methods: Cross-sectional 13-item web-based survey of nephrologists and renal dietitians across Australia and New Zealand.
Results: 71 clinicians (42 nephrologists and 29 dietitians: 40 females, 31 males) responded from Australia (87%) and New Zealand (13%). Three quarters (76%) had > 5 years PD experience. Most respondents believed people receiving PD could perform more exercise (87%). Half of those surveyed were unsure whether people receiving PD could perform abdominal strengthening exercises safely. Very few (3%) respondents had an exercise professional in their nephrology program even though 93% agreed that the most PD patients would benefit from an exercise professional. The majority agreed that structured exercise programs (90%) would be beneficial for people receiving PD. 63% of PD programs had formal guidelines for swimming, 48% for lifting, 31% for falls, and 63% for physical activity following catheter insertion.
Conclusion: Most nephrologists and renal dietitians in Australia and New Zealand know the importance of physical activity in people receiving PD. These clinicians believe that exercise professionals and structured exercise plans would benefit people receiving PD.
Biography
Prof Paul Bennett is Deputy Head of School (Research) in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University. Paul has worked in industry and academia in the US and Australia focusing on pragmatic clinical research strategies to improve the quality of life of people with kidney disease. Most recently Paul was the lead author in the development of the 2022 International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis Exercise Guidelines for People Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis and the developer of the Kidney Health Australia Exercise Toolkit.