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Exploring patients' experiences of the impact of dialysis therapies on quality of life and wellbeing
Author(s) -
Antoun Joe,
Brown Daniel J.,
Jones Daniel J. W.,
Clarkson Beth G.,
Shepherd Anthony I.,
Sangala Nicholas C.,
Lewis Robert J.,
McNarry Melitta A.,
Mackintosh Kelly A.,
Mason Laura,
Corbett Jo,
Saynor Zoe L.
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
journal of renal care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.381
H-Index - 27
eISSN - 1755-6686
pISSN - 1755-6678
DOI - 10.1111/jorc.12416
Subject(s) - medicine , peritoneal dialysis , dialysis , quality of life (healthcare) , kidney disease , intensive care medicine , home hemodialysis , hemodialysis , renal replacement therapy , nephrology , physical therapy , nursing
Background When people with chronic kidney disease reach kidney failure, renal replacement therapy is usually required to improve symptoms and maintain life. Although in‐centre haemodialysis is most commonly used for this purpose, other forms of dialysis are available, including home haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Objectives We aimed to explore the experiences of adults living with chronic kidney disease who were either approaching the need for dialysis or had reached kidney failure and were receiving a form of dialysis. In particular, we explored how different forms of dialysis affect their quality of life, wellbeing, and physical activity. Methods Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with 40 adults with kidney failure, comprising four groups ( n = 10 each ) : those receiving in‐centre haemodialysis, home haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, or predialysis. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, thematically analysed, and then composite vignettes were subsequently developed to present a rich narrative of the collective experiences of each group. Findings Compared with adults who were predialysis, quality of life and wellbeing improved upon initiation of their home haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Conversely, minimal improvement was perceived by those receiving in‐centre haemodialysis. Low physical activity was reported across all four groups, although those receiving home haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis reported a greater desire and ability to be physically active than those in‐centre. Conclusion These findings highlight that dialysis modalities not requiring regular hospital attendance (i.e., home haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) improve independence, quality of life, wellbeing, and can facilitate a more physically active lifestyle.