An International Multicentre Study of Haemodialysis Patients' Knowledge of Safe Self-Disconnection From the Dialysis Machine in Emergencies

Abstract

Background Although international guidelines recommend that patients be trained in emergency self-disconnection procedures from the dialysis machine, little is known about patients' knowledge and procedural accuracy regarding this practice.Objective This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of people receiving haemodialysis and their ability to correctly identify the steps required to disconnect themselves from the dialysis machine in an emergency, safely.Methods This international multicentre descriptive study was conducted between September 2025 and January 2026 in 10 dialysis centres across six countries: T & uuml;rkiye, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Poland and Peru. Adult patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis for at least 3 months were eligible to participate. Data were collected using a participant information form and a self-disconnection checklist consisting of two sections evaluating preparation knowledge and procedural steps. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data.Results Of the 626 people receiving haemodialysis included in the study, 125 (20.0%) had received training on self-disconnection from the dialysis machine (T & uuml;rkiye, Peru, Greece, and Denmark). Overall, 22.4% of patients reported knowing how to disconnect themselves from the dialysis machine in an emergency. According to the checklist evaluation, 40.3% of patients correctly identified the first stage of the procedure, and 38.3% correctly identified the second stage.Conclusion A substantial gap exists between perceived knowledge and actual procedural competence regarding emergency self-disconnection among people receiving haemodialysis. These findings highlight the need for structured education, simulation-based training and standardised protocols to improve disaster preparedness and patient safety in dialysis units.