Safely Disconnect From the Dialysis Machine in an Emergency Situation

In a dialysis unit, it is not possible for healthcare personnel to disconnect all patients from the machines simultaneously in the event of an emergency. Therefore, allowing patients who are able to safely disconnect themselves from the machine to do so, while healthcare staff assist those who are unable, will help minimize harm during such situations. For this reason, "clamp and cut/cap" training should be provided to all patients, and a note indicating whether the patient is able to disconnect themselves from the machine in an emergency should be included in their medical records. Importantly, this training should not be limited to theoretical instruction but should also include hands-on practice and simulation-based training to reinforce learning and transform knowledge into practical skills.

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Key information

Conditions

Dialysis; Complications

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Istanbul University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

In the literature, only one known study was identified that investigated the level of knowledge of dialysis patients regarding how to disconnect themselves from the machine during a natural disaster. That study reported that only a small proportion of patients knew how to terminate dialysis treatment in an emergency situation. However, the assessment in that study was limited to patients' knowledge level, and the procedural steps of the disconnection process were not evaluated.

Moreover, studies conducted in different countries indicate that dialysis patients have deficiencies in disaster preparedness and emergency procedures, highlighting the need for structured educational programs in this area. To the best of our knowledge, this study will be the first to evaluate both the knowledge level and the procedural steps related to self-disconnection in dialysis patients.

The aim of this study is to assess hemodialysis patients' knowledge regarding how to disconnect themselves from the machine in an emergency situation, as well as the accuracy of the procedural steps involved.

Who can participate

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Patients aged 18 years and older who had been receiving hemodialysis treatment for at least three months
Had no conditions that would impair communication
Voluntarily agreed to participate were included in the study

Exclusion criteria

Patients who declined to provide voluntary consent were excluded from the study

Treatment and study plan

Emergency withdraw

Other

A questionnaire was administered to assess patients' level of knowledge regarding self-disconnection from the hemodialysis machine.

Primary outcomes

Adequate information about withdrawal from the machine

Time frame: At the begining of the study

Data were collected using a checklist that assessed whether patients knew how to disconnect themselves from the dialysis machine in emergency situations.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Do Hemodialysis Patients Know How to Safely Disconnect Themselves From the Dialysis Machine in an Emergency Situation?: An International, Multicenter Study

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Feb 17, 2026
Registry last updated: May 5, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed