Patient engagement activities with health care professionals in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis therapy: an exploratory pilot study

BACKGROUND: This pilot study aimed to explore the engagement activities between patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) therapy and their health care professionals. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted. In-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken involving four CAPD patients who were selected through purposive sampling. The participants were asked questions about their engagement experiences with their health care professionals. RESULTS: Six main engagement activities were derived from the interview analysis: obtaining initial knowledge, developing knowledge and skills, feeling confident, following clinical advice, updating health condition, and supporting CAPD therapy. CONCLUSION: Patients engagement activities played an important role in CAPD therapy. The engagement activities covered the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions. Obtaining initial knowledge as well as developing knowledge and skills are essential engagement activities before patients perform CAPD therapy.