ased on literature focusing on information hemodialysis patients require that is central to maintaining and monitoring potassium balance. In this regard, Gutch, Stoner and Corea (1999), Schrier and Andrews (2002) and Sica, Struthers, Cushman, Wood, Banas and Epstein (2002) have identified the following factors as important for patients to understand: consequences of K+ imbalance; factors that place people at risk for the development of renal disease; the importance of exercise; primary sources of K+ found in diet as well as the influence of ethnic and regional factors on potassium intake; the measurement of serum potassium and general information on potassium monitoring; elements of both internal and external potassium balance; renal factors influencing K+ balance; and the relationship of potassium to magnesium.
Justification for Methods and Resources
The proposed educational program will be taught over a period of 12 weeks for approximately one hour per week. The instructor will be an advanced practice nurse. However, if needed in certain areas, other experts in the field will be asked to lecture.
All methods and resources used in the program will be based on findings in the literature associated with "best practices" in renal education programs. For example, the program will be "patient centered." This practice, Anderson (2002) reports, has maximal outcomes for the renal patient.
In general, the proposed educational program will attempt to provide information about disease management in general and potassium monitoring in particular and to do so in a patient-friendly manner. In terms of outcomes, Anderson (2002) states that patient-centered education and care is associated with strong levels of patient satisfaction and improved outcomes without significant increases in time and money for the provider. The patient centered approach has also been shown to benefit professionals who participate in its implementation in ...