The utility of cognitive behavioural therapy on chronic haemodialysis patients' fluid intake: a preliminary examination.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients' ability to achieve fluid intake related behavioural objectives. This one group before and after quasi-experiment consisted of a four-week base-line phase, a six-week intervention phase and a four-week follow-up phase. Interventions included self-contract, reinforcement and self-monitoring. Participants were 10 Japanese HD outpatients. The average achievement of the fluid intake objective in the intervention phase was 65%. Fifty percent of participants achieved their objectives at least 3/4 of the time without individualised reinforcement. CBT was effective in helping patients change their fluid intake behaviours.