An exploration of successful psychosocial adjustment to long-term in-centre haemodialysis

ObjectivesHaemodialysis extends life for people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) worldwide, but it imposes significant psychosocial burdens and there is little evidence about successful adjustment. This study aimed to improve understanding of successful psychosocial adjustment to in-centre haemodialysis (ICHD; dialysis in a hospital or satellite unit).MethodsIndividual semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 18 people with ESKD who had all received in-centre haemodialysis in the UK for at least 90 days in the last two years. An inductive thematic analysis was employed to identify themes from the verbatim interview transcripts.ResultsThere were four themes: 1) reaching a state of acceptance, which described the importance of accepting the necessity of dialysis; 2) taking an active role in treatment, which described how being actively involved in treatment gave participants greater feelings of autonomy and control; 3) utilising social support networks, which described the benefits of instrumental and emotional support; and 4) building emotional resilience, which described the importance of optimism and positivity.ConclusionsThe themes demonstrated elements of successful adjustment that could be targeted by interventions to promote psychological flexibility and positive adjustment among people receiving in-centre haemodialysis worldwide.

Automated summary

This study aimed to improve understanding of successful psychosocial adjustment to in-centre haemodialysis. Through interviews with 18 ESKD patients who had received in-centre haemodialysis in the UK for at least 90 days, four themes were identified: reaching a state of acceptance, taking an active role in treatment, utilising social support networks, and building emotional resilience.