Evaluation research on the effectiveness of social work intervention on dialysis patients: the first three months.

The research reported in this article examined the effectiveness of a dedicated, timed, recurring Master's level social work intervention with patients new to dialysis. Study participants were evaluated for depression and levels of adjustment when first beginning dialysis and three months later. A control group received standard, mandated social work services while the experimental group received an additional counseling component. The experimental group showed statistically significant changes over time in lowered levels of depression and maladjustment.