| [ Summary ] |
In Japan, the number of hemodialysis patients has consistently increased. Hemodialysis treatment typically consists of chronic care. However, there are not a large number of doctors interested providing this therapy. For the most part, dialysis physicians are busy with other elements of their practices such as outpatient or inpatient care, physiological examinations, and surgical procedures. As a result, the time doctors spend in dialysis room may mot be adequate. The relationship between doctors and hemodialysis patients is consequently often more remote than it is between other medical staff members in dialysis room. Owing to these circumstances, it is difficult for doctors to be adequately considerate of patients needs and to take proper initiatives in the treatment of hemodialysis patients. As a result, doctors may suffer a degree of stress in the situation. To decrease levels of hemodialysis physicians' stress, it is necessary to reconstruct the system of hemodialysis care, including making revisions in the basic duties of care givers. This recognization of chronic care systems for hemodialysis patients may help increase the number of physicians who are hemodialysis specialist, as well as the number of other professionals providing hemodialysis treatment. |