Family concern: Facilitating self-management of patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

Objective

The objective was to describe the experience of patients in self-managing.

Method

Phenomenology design was used in this study. Fifhteen of families who have family member which undergoing hemodialysis were recruited as participants. In-depth interviews were conducted at April to July 2018 to explore of the experiences of family in patients’ self-managing. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi.

Result

We found four themes of patients'self-management which reported by their family. There themes were (1) having positive and negative views on life changes after undergoing hemodialysis, (2) spirit for undergoing the process of hemodialysis, (3) controlling the activity and (4) limitation of food while undergoing hemodialysis and patient's expectations during hemodialysis.

Conclusion

Self-management of patients who receive hemodialysis includes self-management in physical form (controlling activities and food restrictions) and psychological (views on life changes and life zest).