Nurses perspectives on the Australian and New Zealand dialysis and transplant registry (ANZDATA)

Abstract

Aim: To determine nursing knowledge about ANZDATA and nursing attitudes to data collection. Background: Many renal units rely on nursing staff to collect and enter data for ANZDATA. Little is known about nurses' knowledge of ANZDATA or attitudes to the data collection. Methods: Nurses at a public hospital renal unit, 2 affiliated satellite dialysis units, and 3 private haemodialysis units were surveyed. Results: 40 surveys were completed (response rate 62%). 88% female, 71% aged 41+ years, 88% mainly work in a haemodialysis unit. Time in renal nursing was 0-2 years (12%), 3-5 years (27%), 6-10 years (22%), 10+ years (39%). 61% were nursing level NO1 and 24% level NO2. 59% reported completing ANZDATA entry, but 79% reported little or no training to enter data. Nurses obtained data from chart searches or asking the patient. They sometimes ask other nursing staff or check the public hospital pathology results. Nurses rarely ask medical staff, patient families, or check private pathology. Nurses considered data entry for dialysis patients the role of nurses (63%) or a data manager (22%). Nurses considered data entry for transplant patients the role of doctors (37%), nurses (27%), data manager (23%), and transplant nurse (10%). Many considered ANZDATA entry time consuming, frustrating, and stressful. 68% thought ANZDATA was moderately or very important. Nurses had a clear understanding of the uses of ANZDATA. Conclusions: Improving feedback about ANZDATA reports and education about data collection may improve nurse attitudes and data quality.<br />