Impact of evidence-based nursing interventions on the health status of hemodialysis patients: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide public-health problem, as it can progress to end-stage renal disease, and the patient is treated with hemodialysis. The level of self-care practices and quality of life among patients on maintenance hemodialysis is a successful way to decrease the incidence of complications. Objective: Hemodialysis is a vital therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), yet it is often associated with physical and psychological complications. Evidence-based nursing care can play a crucial role in minimizing these issues. This study aimed to assess the impact of an educational program based on evidence-based practices on nurses’ knowledge and the health status of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted using purposive sampling. The sample included 60 nurses (30 in intervention and 30 in control) and 104 patients (52 per group) from two hemodialysis centers in Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq, during 2024–2025. Nurses in the intervention group received structured training covering fluid and nutrition management, physical activity, psychosocial care, and vascular access. Nurses’ knowledge was evaluated through a validated questionnaire, and patients’ health status was assessed using the SF-36 instrument. Pre-and post-tests were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Findings: Post-intervention results showed a significant improvement in nurses’ knowledge in all domains (P < 0.0001), especially in fluid and vascular access care. Patients under their care exhibited marked improvements in physical functioning, emotional well-being, and general health (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Evidence-based nursing education significantly enhances nurses’ knowledge and improves patient health outcomes. Integrating such programs into routine nephrology nursing is recommended.