Dr Ramony Chan1,3, Prof. Josephine Chow2,3,4, Prof. Michael Suranyi1,3,4, Prof. Angela Makris1,3,4
1Renal Unit, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia, 2South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney , Australia, 3University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, 4Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
Biography:
Dr. Chan is a highly experienced Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Renal Unit, Liverpool Hospital, and a Conjoint Lecturer with the Faculty of Medicine and Health at UNSW. With over 25 years of clinical practice, he specializes in treating a broad spectrum of psychological difficulties in medical patients. Dr. Chan also brings over 20 years of research expertise in the psychological aspects of medical conditions, evidenced by publications in leading peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Psychosomatic Research and the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. His strong research interest lies in the field of psychonephrology.
Aim:
(1) Study the prevalence of psychological problems in dialysis patients, (2) Assess willingness of psychological treatment, (3) Identify treatment barriers and service needs.
Background:
Dialysis patients experience depression and anxiety, impacting their health and quality of life. While effective treatments exist, treatment barriers and service needs hinder psychological treatment uptake. Understanding these is crucial for improving treatment access.
Methods:
Cross-sectional observational study design (tertiary outer-metropolitan hospital) with a convenient sampling method was employed. Dialysis patients were recruited either in person or by mail to complete a survey and standardised psychometric tests. Descriptive and group comparison with chi-square test (Bonferroni correction) statistics were conducted.
Results:
135 dialysis patients completed the survey (60% Female, mean age 68.5 ±12.89, 49% English speaking, 56% married/ de facto, 91% unemployed, 69% haemodialysis). 36% and 42% of respondents experienced symptoms of depression and anxiety respectively. Majority of respondents (62%) would seek help for depression/anxiety primarily from medical doctors (GP (78%) and Nephrologist (66%)), family (70%), and friends (55%). Preferred treatment modalities were medications (43%) or face-to-face treatment (41%). 45% of respondents reported no treatment barriers. Gender differences were not observed. Subgroup analyses yielded one significant result that: those who would seek help would more likely see their GP for assistance. The top five service needs were managing dietary and fluid adherence (48%), coping with illness impact (45%), adapting to life changes and treatments (42%), coping with bodily changes (41%), and helping make healthcare choices (40%).
Conclusions:
This study revealed high rates of depression/anxiety, with most surveyed willing to seek help, and identified key service needs. It is important to provide patients with psychological treatment and services addressing their service needs.