Hemodialysis patient's perception from nurse's role in their adjustment with hemodialysis: A qualitative study

Chronic renal failure disease and its conservative treatment (hemodialysis) result in several physical, psychic, and social problems in hemodialysis patients. In health care system, nurses by their supportive behavior have an essential role to help the patients for adjustment with the problems. This study was performed to explain the perception and experience of hemodialysis patients from nurse's role in adjustment with hemodialysis. This study was conducted with qualitative research approach and content analysis method. The participants were 16 patients in the hemodialysis ward of hospitals affiliated to Semnan University of Medical Sciences. Purposive sampling was employed and continued up to data saturation. Unstructured interviews were the main method for data collection. All interviews were recorded and then transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed by using qualitative content analysis and constant comparative method. During content analysis process, three themes emerged including: (1) extremely effort for comforting patient, (2) responsible accountability to patient's questions, and (3) kindly behavior and friendly relationship with patient. The themes indicated the nature and dimensions of patient's perception from nurse's role to help them for adjustment with hemodialysis. The patient's experiences showed that the appropriate supportive behavior of nurses has an important role in their comfort, security, and trust, as well as accelerating adjustment with hemodialysis. The results help the nurses to be aware more from the importance of their supportive role in helping patients for adjustment with hemodialysis.