Using Creative Activities to Improve Treatment Perceptions of Patients on Hemodialysis.

Hemodialysis (HD) has a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We performed an observational study to assess the mental and physical status of 41 patients on chronic HD treatment. We planned and launched a program of recreational and therapeutic intradialysis activities to reduce patients' boredom due to inactivity. Patients' mental and physical status was reassessed at 12 months. Our initial attempt to introduce these recreational activities as intradialysis therapy has been rated positively by all patients. After one year, anxiety decreased (without statistical significance) and willingness to participate in activities increased from 50.00% to 85.71% (p=0.019). No improvement was observed on the remaining studied variables. This preliminary initiative is promising. We plan to maintain these successful therapies and include others to help consolidate this program. Copyright© by the American Nephrology Nurses Association.