Being dialysis-dependent: A qualitative perspective

[thumbnail of (2463)Collegian_-_Dialysis_themes_(final_revision)_(2).pdf]
Restricted to Repository staff only

Martin-McDonald, Kristine (2003) Being dialysis-dependent: A qualitative perspective. Collegian: Journal of the Royal College of Nursing Australia, 10 (2). pp. 29-33. ISSN 1322-7696

Abstract

The technology of renal dialysis offers a way in which life can be sustained, so it is not surprising that the complex, diverse and evolving iatrogenic aspects of dialysis-dependency continue to be researched. However, there has been a tendency to take for granted the human process of making sense of the intrusiveness of dialysis. This study was designed to explore the meanings of dialysis-dependency. The study sample was 10 participants: five female, five male; five on peritoneal dialysis, five on haemodialysis; whose ages ranged from 22 to 68 years. Using a narrative methodology the following methods were used: in-depth interviews, narrative and thematic analysis, fieldwork/notes from five renal units, participant validation, and journal reflections. A thematic analysis revealed the continuum themes of Freedom-Restrictions, Being Normal-Being Visible, Control-Acquiesce, Hope-Despair and Support-Abandon. The themes portrayed as continuums serve to remind health care professionals that those with chronic illnesses strive to make sense of what is happening to them. Variations within each of these themes can occur daily, weekly or monthly. Acceptance may never be reached or may be tentative. Some clients will strive for control and freedom to choose for themselves, others will acquiesce to the overwhelming changes wrought in their lives. Thus, health care professionals might consider placing the personal meanings of those who are dialysis-dependent to the fore, being sensitive to the sufferings wrought by the regime, which treats but does not cure, which sustains life but does not heal.

Dimensions Badge

Altmetric Badge

Item type Article
URI https://vuir.vu.edu.au/id/eprint/2463
DOI 10.1016/S1322-7696(08)60052-9
Official URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1322-7696(08)60052-9
Subjects Historical > Faculty/School/Research Centre/Department > School of Nursing and Midwifery
Historical > FOR Classification > 1110 Nursing
Historical > SEO Classification > 970111 Expanding Knowledge in the Medical and Health Sciences
Keywords ResPubID16827, dialysis, narrative, chronic illness, continuum themes
Citations in Scopus 18 - View on Scopus
Download/View statistics View download statistics for this item

Search Google Scholar

Repository staff login