Integrated self-management program effects on hemodialysis patients: A quasi-experimental study

Aim: To evaluate the effects of an integrated self-management program using a mobile application, a short message service using a smartphone, and face-to-face counseling and education among hemodialysis patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design was used. The participants of this study were 84 hemodialysis patients (42 in the experimental group and 42 in the control group). The experimental group received the integrated self-management program for 8 weeks. The data were analyzed by using the independent t-test and Mann–Whitney U test to identify differences in self-efficacy, treatment compliance, the ratio of interdialytic weight gain to dry weight, and serum potassium and phosphorus levels between the experimental group and the control group at the end of the program. Results: The scores for self-efficacy and treatment compliance were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. The ratio of interdialytic weight gain to dry weight significantly decreased in the experimental group, compared to the control group. The serum potassium and phosphorus levels in the experimental group were not significantly lower than those of the control group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the integrated self-management program that was implemented in this study could be a potentially effective intervention to improve the self-management of hemodialysis patients. Further research on various nursing intervention programs is warranted, including a mobile application program to improve hemodialysis patients’ self-management.