The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a face-to-face self-management educational program on knowledge, self-care practice and kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) before kidney replacement therapy.

This study employed a nonequivalent control group, non-synchronized design. Data were collected from 61 patients with CKD visiting an outpatient department of nephrology in a university hospital in Seoul, South Korea. The experimental group (n=31) took the pre-test, then after 3 weeks, face-to-face education and individualized consultation (1st intervention), after a week of self-practice, the 1st post-test, followed by re-enforcement education and consultation (2nd intervention), and 4 weeks later, the 2nd post-test. The control group (n=30) took the pre-test and post-tests at 4 and 8 weeks.

Scores for knowledge of CKD and self-care practice over time improved significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. Kidney function did not improve significantly in the experimental group.

Health care providers can identify various and individualized needs, and provide effective education and consultation through face to face self-management for patients with chronic irreversible illnesses. Nurses can coordinate for these program by designing and providing systematic and effective education.