New league idea helps patients stay healthy10:30am Tuesday 28th October 2008
SOUTHEND Hospital has hit on a novel way to help kidney dialysis patients manage their condition.
A league table is helping foster competitive spirit among kidney dialysis patients and encourage them to pay more attention to their diets.
The “phos graph” charts levels of harmful phosphates in patients’ blood. It so impressed the British Journal of Renal Medicine, it awarded its creators a certificate and a bottle of bubbly.
The idea came from consultant renal physician Dr Mike Almond as a way of encouraging patients to reduce their intake of phosphate-rich foods such as dairy produce, nuts and chocolate.
He explained: “High phosphate levels are a common problem with dialysis patients and can lead to cardio-vascular problems.”
Dr Almond and a team of colleagues, including dieticians, a pharmacist and computer specialist, jointly known affectionately as the PIGs (phosphate interest group), created a monthly graph, charting each patient’s progress.
Each patient gets a copy showing their position alongside the 130 other anonymous patients. Competitive patients then compare their monthly rankings when they meet at the unit and as a result, phosphate levels are falling.
Lead renal dietician Lakshmi Chandrasekharan said: “As we all know, watching what we eat is easier said than done.
“But it seems working as a group to achieve a personal goal, along with some gentle competition, makes keeping to a diet easier for patients. We hope that the improvement in phosphate levels we have seen since introducing the phos graph will be maintained.”
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/3796147._Phos_graph__scheme_wins_award_for_helping_kidney_patients_at_Southend_Hospital/
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