| Week of training | Learning objectives | Training content |
| Week 1 | - Understand concepts regarding HD
- Perform self-examination
- Learn basics of infection control
- Learn about nutrition on home dialysis
| - Basics of HD concepts, physiology, and circuit
- General operations of the dialysis unit
- How to check one's own blood pressure and weight
- Basics of dialysis access anatomy, examination, and care
- Introduction to the dialysis manual and staff (whom and when to contact)
- Dialysis dietary review
|
| Week 2 | - Set up the HD machine for dialysis with and without the help of the dialysis manual
| - Interactive teaching with the trainer on setting up the dialysis machine
- Supervised set up of the dialysis machine by the patient
- Interpretation of vital signs
|
| Week 3 | - Set up HD (including other aspects such as self-cannulation) and learn to troubleshoot alarms
| - Equipment preparation using aseptic technique
- Self-cannulation basics
- Disconnect procedure
- Alarms management
|
| Week 4 | - Become proficient in self-cannulation
- Learn to manage complications
- Learn about water management
| - Proficiency training in self-cannulation (patient-paced, may need additional time)
- Recirculation procedure
- Reinforcement of alarms management
- Description of potential complications with an outlined action plan
- Basics of water management
|
| Week 5 | - Perform the entire home HD procedure with and without supervision
| - Performance of dialysis in the presence of the nurse
- Once deemed ready by the nurse, performance of dialysis independently (in the absence of the nurse)
|
| Week 6 to 8 | - Confirm patient independence and ensure safety
- Formally begin home HD
| - Independent performance of dialysis in the dialysis unit (until ready for home HD)
- Simulated scenarios to challenge patient's understanding of alarm management and complications
- Medication self-administration
- Collection of one's own labs
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