Empowered patient managing peritoneal dialysis at home.

Take Control of Your Health: A Guide to Self-Care in Peritoneal Dialysis

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Empowering patients through self-care strategies can significantly improve quality of life and treatment outcomes. Learn how to enhance your agency in peritoneal dialysis."

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses significant challenges, impacting not only the patient's health but also their overall quality of life and family dynamics. The economic burden on healthcare systems is substantial, making effective self-care strategies crucial. By empowering patients to take an active role in their treatment, we can mitigate these effects, improving outcomes and reducing the strain on healthcare resources.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers a unique opportunity for patients to manage their treatment from the comfort of their homes. This independence, however, requires a strong foundation in self-care. Patients must be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform dialysis exchanges, monitor their health, and adhere to medication schedules. Strengthening self-care agency is key to maximizing the benefits of PD, allowing individuals to maintain their lifestyles and overall well-being.

This article delves into the critical aspects of self-care in PD, exploring strategies to enhance patient autonomy and improve treatment adherence. Inspired by the research of Ana Julia Carrillo Algarra, we provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing effective self-care practices, ultimately empowering patients to take control of their health journey.

Understanding Self-Care in Peritoneal Dialysis: What Does It Really Mean?

Empowered patient managing peritoneal dialysis at home.

Self-care in the context of peritoneal dialysis goes beyond simply performing the technical aspects of the treatment. It encompasses a holistic approach that includes actively participating in one's health management, making informed decisions, and adhering to prescribed regimens. Dorothea Orem's self-care deficit theory defines self-care as actions individuals undertake to maintain their well-being, health, and life. This concept is particularly relevant in PD, where patients are responsible for administering their treatment and managing their daily care.

Carrillo's research highlights six key categories of self-care in PD:

Maintaining and improving physical fitness.
Optimizing nutritional status.
Engaging in recreational activities as a form of self-care.
Protecting and maintaining arteriovenous fistulas.
Adhering to pharmacological therapies.
Applying experiential knowledge and self-constructed practices.

Effective self-care not only improves clinical outcomes but also enhances a patient's sense of control, reducing anxiety and promoting a more positive outlook. It fosters a collaborative relationship between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Empowering Patients Through Enhanced Self-Care Strategies

In conclusion, fostering self-care agency in peritoneal dialysis patients is essential for improving treatment outcomes, quality of life, and overall well-being. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in designing and implementing strategies that empower patients to take control of their health. By addressing individual needs, promoting education, and fostering a collaborative relationship, we can help patients thrive while managing their condition effectively. Continued research and innovation in self-care practices will further enhance the lives of those undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What does self-care really mean in the context of peritoneal dialysis?

Self-care in peritoneal dialysis (PD) involves much more than just performing the dialysis exchanges. It's about actively managing your health, making informed decisions about your treatment, and sticking to the prescribed plan. Dorothea Orem's self-care deficit theory is very relevant here, because it emphasizes that individuals must take actions to maintain their health and well-being. In PD, where patients manage their own treatment daily, self-care is essential for a positive outcome.

Why is self-care so important for people undergoing peritoneal dialysis?

Self-care is critical in peritoneal dialysis because it significantly improves both treatment outcomes and your overall quality of life. When patients actively participate in their care, they often experience a greater sense of control, reduced anxiety, and a more positive outlook. Effective self-care also leads to better adherence to treatment plans, improved clinical results, and a stronger, more collaborative relationship with healthcare providers.

What are the key aspects of self-care that I should focus on when managing my peritoneal dialysis?

Carrillo's research identifies six key categories of self-care within peritoneal dialysis. These include: (1) maintaining and improving physical fitness, which contributes to overall well-being; (2) optimizing nutritional status, crucial for managing fluid balance and overall health; (3) engaging in recreational activities, which helps with mental and emotional well-being; (4) protecting and maintaining arteriovenous fistulas, which are vital for dialysis access; (5) adhering to pharmacological therapies, which ensures medication schedules are followed; and (6) applying experiential knowledge and self-constructed practices, allowing patients to tailor their care based on personal experience. These categories are all vital for the patient to ensure a positive outcome in their health journey

How can healthcare professionals help me to become more empowered in my peritoneal dialysis self-care?

Healthcare professionals empower patients by designing and implementing self-care strategies that address their individual needs. Education plays a significant role, providing patients with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their treatment effectively. Fostering a collaborative relationship between patients and healthcare providers ensures that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and preferences, ultimately leading to better outcomes and improved well-being.

How does chronic kidney disease relate to the need for self-care in peritoneal dialysis?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) presents considerable hurdles by impacting a person's overall well-being along with affecting family members. The financial strain on healthcare systems is substantial, which makes having effective self-care strategies essential. By empowering patients so they can take an active role in their treatment, it can reduce these effects, improve outcomes, and diminish the burden on healthcare resources.