[Relationship and dependency in a hemodialysis unit]

Abstract

Dialysis substitutes a deficient organ. To perform dialysis requires qualified nurses and physicians, necessitates time and is an expensive procedure. In a society which valorises autonomy, dialysis leads to dependency and therefore is associated with a very bad image. This loss of autonomy is one of the most common complains of dialyzed patients. For this reason, patients and caregivers valorise renal transplantation. It illustrates how the concept of autonomy and dependency may influence the life experience of dialyzed patients. We propose another approach which is oriented to the aspects of relations during dialysis. This approach is illustrated by two case reports. This concept allows to change the perception of the dialyzed patient and thus to change his life experience.