Efeitos da abordagem interdisciplinar na qualidade de vida de pacientes com doença renal crônica

Abstract

The impact of chronic renal disease may involve losses well beyond renal function. Body, social, and psychic changes, brought about by disease evolution, may significantly impair the quality of life. A sizeable proportion of programs targeting chronic renal disease patients prioritize those on renal substitutive therapies. If these patients are followed at an earlier stage, while still on conservative treatment, health providers may implement interventions to delay dialytic therapy and enhance compliance. A global interdisciplinary approach to the care of patients on conservative treatment is fundamental, as it may lead to a better quality of life. This study assessed the effects on the quality of life of an interdisciplinary approach to the care of chronic renal disease patients on conservative treatment. Through SF-36assessed quality of life and determination of biochemical parameters, a group of patients followed by an interdisciplinary team was compared with a group receiving traditional medical care. The interdisciplinary approach was possibly accountable for the improvements in the physical, social, and emotional features. Patients followed by the interdisciplinary team had better quality of life as refers to functional capacity, physical features, general health, vitality, and emotional features. The group on traditional medical care did not present any improvement of the quality of life as refers to these parameters. Patients on interdisciplinary care also had statistically significant favorable changes in their anemia, calcium levels, and weight loss, findings not seen in the control group.