학술논문

Meaning of empowerment in peritoneal dialysis: focus groups with patients and caregivers.
Document Type
article
Source
Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. 35(11)
Subject
Clinical Research
7.1 Individual care needs
Management of diseases and conditions
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged
80 and over
Caregivers
Female
Focus Groups
Humans
Life Style
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Participation
Peritoneal Dialysis
Self-Management
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult
chronic kidney disease
patient empowerment
peritoneal dialysis
quality of life
Clinical Sciences
Urology & Nephrology
Language
Abstract
BackgroundWhile peritoneal dialysis (PD) can offer patients more independence and flexibility compared with in-center hemodialysis, managing the ongoing and technically demanding regimen can impose a burden on patients and caregivers. Patient empowerment can strengthen capacity for self-management and improve treatment outcomes. We aimed to describe patients' and caregivers' perspectives on the meaning and role of patient empowerment in PD.MethodsAdult patients receiving PD (n = 81) and their caregivers (n = 45), purposively sampled from nine dialysis units in Australia, Hong Kong and the USA, participated in 14 focus groups. Transcripts were thematically analyzed.ResultsWe identified six themes: lacking clarity for self-management (limited understanding of rationale behind necessary restrictions, muddled by conflicting information); PD regimen restricting flexibility and freedom (burden in budgeting time, confined to be close to home); strength with supportive relationships (gaining reassurance with practical assistance, comforted by considerate health professionals, supported by family and friends); defying constraints (reclaiming the day, undeterred by treatment, refusing to be defined by illness); regaining lost vitality (enabling physical functioning, restoring energy for life participation); and personal growth through adjustment (building resilience and enabling positive outlook, accepting the dialysis regimen).ConclusionsUnderstanding the rationale behind lifestyle restrictions, practical assistance and family support in managing PD promoted patient empowerment, whereas being constrained in time and capacity for life participation outside the home undermined it. Education, counseling and strategies to minimize the disruption and burden of PD may enhance satisfaction and outcomes in patients requiring PD.