Exploring Patients' Experiences After Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis: A Qualitative Study

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis is often associated with stress, depression, and major lifestyle changes. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore patients' experiences of living with CKD. A non-random purposeful sampling strategy was used to recruit 10 patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis, from a tertiary care hospital in Crete, Greece. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with open-ended questions aiming to assess different aspects of their life after CKD diagnosis. Four main themes were revealed portraying participants' experience, including facing a new reality, 2) confronting changes, 3) finding ways to cope, and 4) continuing life.

Through the Patients' Eyes: The Experience of End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Concerning the Provided Nursing Care

Chronic kidney disease is a condition that affects both the physical and mental abilities of patients. Nursing care is of pivotal importance, in particular when end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are concerned, since the quality of the provided care may severely influence the patient’s quality of life. This is why it is important to explore patient experiences concerning the rendered care. However, limited up-to-date studies have addressed this issue. The aim of the present study was to stress the experiences of ESRD patients concerning the provided nursing care in the hemodialysis unit at the University Hospital in Heraklion, Crete. A qualitative methodological approach was used, based on the principles of phenomenological epistemology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and open-ended questions were applied to record how patients experienced the rendered care during dialysis. The recorded data were analyzed via qualitative content analysis, which revealed three main themes: ‘Physical Care’, ‘Psychological Support’ and ‘Education’. Patients’ views were conceptualized into sub-themes within each main theme. The interviews revealed the varied and distinct views of ESRD patients, indicating that the rendered care should be individualized.