The care priorities of haemodialysis patients

Reid, Claire

Abstract

Background: Patients receiving haemodialysis have a reduced quality of life when compared to the general population and report deficiencies in satisfaction with care. As such it is important that we are able to evaluate dialysis care from the patients’ perspective. Despite this, there is currently a paucity of evidence to suggest which aspects of care are important to patients themselves.

Aims: To describe what is important to patients about their haemodialysis care and whether their degree of involvement in treatment provision affects their experiences and priorities for care.

Methods: A qualitative survey of all in-centre and home haemodialysis patients at two renal centres and their satellite units was conducted. 7 focus groups were then held at 2 renal centres (total of 29 patients and 3 carers). Patients were divided into focus groups by their mode of haemodialysis provision.

Findings: Three final themes represent the aspects of dialysis that are important to patients. The first theme, ‘Finding personal control’ describes the emotional work and coping strategies utilised by patients as they tried to regain a sense of personal control. The second theme ‘Maintaining social viability’ illustrates how dialysis affects patients social roles and responsibilities. The final theme, ‘Integrating dialysis into life’, describes the physical and emotional challenges patients’ experience when trying to live their lives alongside dialysis.

Conclusions: The interactions patients have with staff and the way that care is provided had significant effects on all three of the final themes. The data highlight many ways in which communication; relationships with staff and the way care is organised can both positively and negatively affect patients’ experiences of care. Understanding the care priorities of patients is fundamental to making real improvements to dialysis care which are of relevance to patients themselves.

Citation

Reid, C. (2017). The care priorities of haemodialysis patients. (Thesis). Hull York Medical School, the University of Hull and the University of York. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4220291

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Mar 6, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Medicine
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4220291
• Additional Information: Hull York Medical School, The University of Hull and University of York
• Award Date: Sep 1, 2017