Comparison of the Effects of Diet Education by Teach-back and Group Discussion Methods on Laboratory Parameters of Hemo-dialysis Patients

Abstract

Background and Objective: Despite the importance of nutrition education for hemodialysis patients, the most effective method of education for these patients is still unknown. In this regard, the present study aimed to compare the effects of two methods of diet education, namely teach-back and group discussion, on laboratory parameters of hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 70 patients from the hemodialysis wards of two hospitals in Hamedan-Iran, who were randomly assigned to the group discussion group and the teach-back group. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a checklist of laboratory parameters before and 2 months after the educational intervention. During three sessions, the researchers provided the. same educational materials for both groups related to nutrition in hemodialysis patients. In the teach-back method, the educational material was presented individually to each patient to ensure their complete understanding of the information. In the group discussion method, the education was provided as a discussion in small groups. Results: In this study, the majority of patients in both groups were married and male and had a mean age of 25 years. Based on the comparison, the group discussion method led to lower potassium, fasting blood sugar (P<0.05), phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine (P<0.01) in patients, compared to the teach-back method. Conclusion: Implementation of a nutritional education program through group discussion can improve the laboratory parameters of hemodialysis patients. Therefore, to prevent complications and improve the health of patients, this educational method is recommended to nurses.