Effects of Therapeutic Education on Adherence to Therapeutic Prescriptions in ADPKD Patients: A Quasi -Experimental Study Protocol

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited renal disease and affects less than 5 people in 10000. There are many effective treatments, including blood pressure management, physical activity, low sodium diet and hydration. Nursing therapeutic education is part of the care of the patient affected by ADKPD and includes knowledge and management of the co-morbidities, level of compliance of the pharmacological therapy, with a focus on anti-hypertensive therapy and Tolvaptan, compliance with dietetic advices and lifestyle adjustments. Methods: A sample of 50 patients affected by ADPKD will receive an intervention that consists of receiving education about pharmacological therapy, diet and lifestyle. The nurse will use standard educational procedures to inform the patients about the importance of compliance to pharmacological therapy, low sodium diet and moderate physical activity. Results: Therapeutic education in patients affected by ADPKD with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can have a positive impact on patient's health by improving compliance with pharmacological therapy, diet and lifestyle. Conclusions: Therapeutic education improves the patient's knowledge of the disease, treatments and correct behaviors in order to promote an independent management of the disease. The patient would be empowered to modify wrong behaviors and obtain a balance between his and the disease's needs and therefore improving compliance with treatments and improving quality of life.