• Reference Number: HEY1404-2023
• Departments: Renal Service
• Last Updated: 1 October 2023

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about home haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration treatment.  Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet.  It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor/nurse, but may act as a starting point for discussion.   If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.

What is Home Haemodialysis and Haemodiafiltration?

Home Haemodialysis or Haemodiafiltration is treatment for kidney failure in your own home.

What are the advantages of home treatment?

• Improved quality of life due to reduced trips to the dialysis unit.
• Quicker recovery after treatment due to no requirement to travel.
• Greater flexibility and control of treatments and lifestyle. Dialysis on days and times to suit your needs.
• Patients on home dialysis can spend their treatment time with family or friends, working, studying, watching TV or playing games with no restrictions.
• Closer observation of treatment, leading to greater independence with great goals.
• Improvement of understanding of the treatment and your needs between the patient and helper (family of friend).
• Supported by designated nurses and technicians.
• Improved sleep reported by home HD patients.
• Respite treatment is available within a haemodialysis unit when required.
• Electricity and water costs are reimbursed to cover your treatments at home.

Can there be any complications or risks?

You will have been fully trained and should be independent on dialysis before you perform any treatment at home, but you will be supported in your home for the first few sessions depending on your needs.

Complications are likely to be the same as those which can happen on the dialysis unit such as bleeding, dislodgement of the needle, faulty machine, low blood pressure.

You will have been trained on all of the above and know how to manage and/or  who to contact. If you are unsure always contact the home hemodialysis nurses or the main unit.

How do I prepare for home haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration?

• You will need to identify adequate room in your home for equipment and supplies. Some treatment regimes require more supplies than others.
• You will need additional space for bins as treatment does produce extra waste.
• After you have done this a home assessment will be done by healthcare and technical staff to ensure this area is suitable.
• You will need to be trained and become independent on dialysis.
• You will need to identify a helper (if necessary).
• A final decision and approval will be signed off by a renal consultant once all criteria have been met.

What will happen?

Treatment will be the same as you would have been receiving on the haemodialysis unit. You must be fully trained and stable on dialysis before you go home.

Any changes to treatment to suit your lifestyle should be discussed with the Home Haemodialysis Nurses so they can ensure you are receiving the correct amount of treatment, and ensure that you can be supported properly.

You will receive training and support as required but every 3 months as a minimum to ensure that treatment is going well.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Home Haemodialysis Nurses on mob: 07823552378 or mob: 07788607135