Unidad Nefrológica de Atención Continuada. Experiencia de un Hospital Universitario

Abstract

Introduction: The daytime hospitals are an alternative to conventional hospitalization and improve the effectiveness of healthcare. From our point of view, nephrology is a specialty that should be able to benefit from this type of care, because chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have specific care needs that lead to the nursing professional to generate comprehensive and individualized care. For this reason, the creation of the Nephrological Unit for Continued Care (NUCA) arises in our service.
Aim: To present our experience in the implantation and development of a NUCA in the University Hospital of Henares.
Material and Method: Retrospective descriptive study of the activity carried out at NUCA between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2017. Development and implementation of different functions and professional competencies.
Results: In this period, a total of 804 patients were attended, with an average of 145.6 visits per month. Of all these visits, 474 patients undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis (55% of total volume), 149 patients with CKD (16%), 245 patients with advanced CKD (18%) and 11 patients in conservative treatment (1%). Different techniques were carried out, either programmed by electronic agenda or by demand.

Conclusions: The implantation of the NUCA, in a structured and planned way, is a valid and necessary alternative in our health system. It allows to ensure an integral approach to renal patients and achieve a continuity of care with lower healthcare costs.