What did we do?

We used the information from the QHD study to develop an exercise programme delivered during haemodialysis treatment. The aim of the programme was to help people living with haemodialysis to feel better and get fitter and stronger. We also aimed to involve staff at the haemodialysis unit in supporting patients to exercise. In this project we evaluated how well we did this in two haemodialysis units.

What we found and what does it mean?

Our exercise programme worked well and lead to improvement in ability to do every day activities and improved mood for people who took part. Keeping the programme going in the longer term was more challenging, and more work is needed to get haemodialysis staff involved and to increase access to support from exercise professionals like Physiotherapists.

What’s next?

This information has supported other units around the country to start their own exercise programmes. We are also developing resources and materials to support haemodialysis staff to deliver exercise on dialysis.

Evidence

Results from the QHD study can be viewed in this open access article.