Abstract: Objective To implement level of care programmes based need theory in hemodialysis patients to improve the mental status and prognosis of patients. Methods A total of 118 hemodialysis patients in our hospital between February, 2015 and January, 2016 were recruited and divided into observation groups (level of care based need theory) and control group (routine care) according to the random number table.The health status, mental state and other physiological indicators were compared before and after the treatment. Results SF-36 scores before the nursing care was performed had no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05);after the treatment, SF-36 scores were 66.24 ±9.17 in the observation group and 59.38 ±8.26 in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).There were no significant difference in SAS and SDS score before the treatment (P > 0.05);after the treatment, SAS and SDS score were 36.15 ±6.28 and 37.28 ±5.06 in the observation group, which were higher than 48.66 ±6.43 and 49.15 ±5.46 in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).The treatment effectively improved the levels ofβ2-MG, BUN and Cr in hemodialysis patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion The level of care based need theory can significantly improve the health status and negative emotions of hemodialysis patients, thus improve the clinical outcomes.