The effectiveness of educational intervention on knowledge and health outcomes among patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Many patients favour peritoneal dialysis due to its home-based flexibility, yet it demands that individuals assume substantial responsibility for autonomous management. Despite the fact that educational interventions demonstratied promising impacts on health outcomes, the findings were inconclusive. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, seven electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO) and grey literature (ProQuest and Google Scholar) were searched from inception till 31st December, 2023 for randomised controlled trials on the effectiveness of educational interventions on peritoneal dialysis patients. Two reviewers independently screened the records, extracted data and conducted appraisal using the Cochrane risk-of-bias 2 tool. Meta-analysis using the RevMan 5.4 software assessed the interventional effects. The Cochrane GRADE approach was utilised to rate the overall evidence quality. Results The review included 11 studies involving 990 participants. Educational intervention significantly improved knowledge (standardized mean difference SMD = 1.44, 95% Confidence interval CI (0.82 to 2.06), Z = 4.57, P .00001), quality of life QoL (MD = 4.56, 95% CI (0.99 to 8.13), Z = 2.50, P = .01), displayed improvements in self-management, and reduced incidence of complications. Conclusion Integrating patient-centred education into peritoneal dialysis treatment positively impacts patient care. Existing trials are limited, and future studies should explore the long-term impact of educational interventions in various geographical locations, particularly among incident patients on peritoneal dialysis.