Authors (including presenting author) :
Shadow NG HW(1), Kazarf Chan YC(1), Ernest Fung ML(1), Adrian Leung KY(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital
Introduction :
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a common renal replacement therapy for individuals with end-stage renal failure. However, patients with stroke and hemiplegia face challenges in managing dialysis solutions and performing aseptic techniques when connecting tubes independently. In response, occupational therapists have developed a stroke-friendly peritoneal dialysis workstation, allowing these individuals to perform PD using one-handed techniques.
Objectives :
This abstract aims to share experience in designing a stroke-friendly peritoneal dialysis workstation for individuals with hemiplegia to perform continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automatic peritoneal dialysis (APD) independently by one-handed technique.
Methodology :
A single case study was conducted to present Mr. Cheung, a 46-year-old man who suffered stroke in 2020, resulting in right hemiplegia. After intensive rehabilitation, he regained independence in his daily living activities.
In November 2022, Mr. Cheung was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure and was advised to undergo CAPD at home. Despite the challenge, he was determined to perform CAPD independently. Occupational therapists stepped in and designed a stroke-friendly peritoneal dialysis workstation tailored to his needs. This system features a set of small 3D printed adaptive tools with specially shaped acrylic plastic and metalwork. These tools allowed Mr. Cheung to perform various dialysis tasks with just one hand independently.
In November 2023, Mr. Cheung was referred again to occupational therapists for an assessment to perform APD at home for a better dialysis outcome and quality of life improvement. To accommodate more complicated steps involved in APD, the stroke-friendly peritoneal dialysis workstation was updated with two more 3D printed gadgets, featuring more refined metalwork. These enhancements enable Mr. Cheung to navigate more complex steps in APD and minimize the risk of infection when handling connecting tubes with only one hand.
Result & Outcome :
With the help of stroke-friendly peritoneal dialysis workstation, Mr. Cheung achieved successful at-home APD without experiencing peritonitis throughout the year. This innovative all-in-one system not only assists stroke survivors in overcoming the challenges of peritoneal dialysis but also fosters confidence, self-sufficiency, and empowerment in their lives.
