Dialysis patients often complain of boredom during 3-4 hour dialysis treatments. Some patients may skip or shorten dialysis treatments as a result. What are some innovative ways you've found to reduce boredom and help patients spend dialysis time more productively?

Has anyone ever tried teaching meditation to dialysis patients?

I've often wondered if Jon Kabat-Zinn's work at U Mass/Worcester with chronic pain patients would be applicable in some form for dialysis patients.

Does the relaxation and resulting vasodilatation make it contraindicated during dialysis treatments?

I would be interested in hearing anyone's experience.

How much longer before every dialysis station comes with a data port? All the business traveler hotels have them in all the rooms now. Patients! Demand data ports!

Good Call! Lots of our clients have asked about them, and thus have computer conversations amongst themselve...I have learned lots... We have a physical therapist make rounds and we all participate in the exercise program...are also looking into mini peddle bikes for the clients so they can bike their time away...have headphones and loads of reading material available...conferences galore.

These are all great suggestions. I'd love to hear more.

Research data on positive effects of relaxation were published in an article written by Linda Collins, MSW and Larry D. Young, PhD. for Perspectives: The Journal of the Council of Nephrology Social Workers (1991). The article was entitled "The Efficacy of Tape Recorded Progressive Muscle Relaxation Instructions in Reducing Symptoms of Ansiety in Dialysis Patients: A Controlled Investigation." Contact the National Kidney Foundation at (800)622-9010 to find out how to obtain a copy.

Facilities are implementing exercise onsite for dialysis patients. Some have exercise professionals screen patients and prescribe exercise. Others use books and videos in the Life Options publication "Exercise for the Dialysis Patient: A Comprehensive Program" to assess, prescribe and encourage exercise. Some have patients exercise in the clinic before dialysis. Others use exercise bikes or TheraBands while they're on dialysis.

Other clinics have occupational therapists working with patients to help them strengthen hands weakened by dialysis access placement. Some encourage patients to do crafts for friends, family, or community service projects. Others have contests, games, and bring in educational speakers (not necessarily on renal topics). Others have invited vocational rehabilitation counselors or other community agencies to come into their clinics to talk with patients about their services.

With the Internet offering such great opportunities for patient education, some facilities are establishing computer and Internet access for patients. NW Kidney Centers in Seattle is one such facility. A dialysis patient has helped to spur this effort onward.

Finally, some facilities are asking patients to serve as representatives to advisory committees. Their role is to make recommendations to clinic personnel about ways to improve clinic operations. Patient representatives contribute to facility newsletters, serve as patient "mentors," and act as liaisons to other organizations.

All of these clinics are making a commitment to improving quality of life and customer satisfaction for people with ESRD with the goal of reducing conflict and improving outcomes. For further information about any of these ideas, contact the Life Options Rehabilitation Resource Center at (800)468-7777.