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. 2023 Mar;49(1):15-23.
doi: 10.1111/jorc.12416. Epub 2022 Feb 28.

Exploring patients' experiences of the impact of dialysis therapies on quality of life and wellbeing

Joe Antoun  1   2 , Daniel J Brown  1 , Daniel J W Jones  3 , Beth G Clarkson  1 , Anthony I Shepherd  1   2 , Nicholas C Sangala  2 , Robert J Lewis  2 , Melitta A McNarry  4 , Kelly A Mackintosh  4 , Laura Mason  4 , Jo Corbett  1 , Zoe L Saynor  1   2
Affiliations

Exploring patients' experiences of the impact of dialysis therapies on quality of life and wellbeing

Joe Antoun et al. J Ren Care. 2023 Mar.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: home haemodialysis; patient experience; peritoneal dialysis; quality of Life.

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References

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