Biomedicine

Abstract

Background: Hemodialysis units, vital for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) management, face significant safety challenges due to complex technology and vulnerable patients. This study evaluates safety practices in a hemodialysis unit at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Hyderabad, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study involved 381 hemodialysis patients. Seven safety domains were assessed: infection control, patient identification (via UHID checks), staff-patient communication, medication safety, fall prevention, water quality, and equipment/tubing safety. Data were collected using validated questionnaires and observational checklists, with compliance scored (1 = compliant, 2 = noncompliant). Compliance rates were analyzed descriptively, with chi-square tests for correlations. Results: Overall compliance was 98.4%, with domain-specific rates: infection control (97.6%), patient identification (98.1%), staff-patient communication (97.9%), medication safety (98.7%), fall prevention (96.8%), water quality (97.4%), and equipment/tubing safety (95.3%). Non-compliance (1.6%) was linked to equipment maintenance delays and staff workload. Elderly patients and those with advanced CKD were more vulnerable. Conclusion: The unit demonstrated robust safety practices, but equipment maintenance and staffing gaps require attention. Recommendations include predictive maintenance, enhanced admission protocols, continuous training, and optimized workforce management.