Background: The kidneys have important functions in the body. When the kidneys stop working, a dialysis treatment is required. There are two types of dialysis treatments: peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. This study focuses on how patients experience hemodialysis treatment.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe the patients' experience of treatment with hemodialysis.

Method: A literature-based study was conducted where a total of nine qualitative articles were reviewed and analysed with the use of Friberg’s (2017) five-step model.

Results: The results of this study consist of two themes. The first theme describes the perceived effects of hemodialysis treatment while the second theme describes the importance of the support that they get from their family, friends and other patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.

Conclusion: Patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment experiences radical changes in their everyday life that limits their social life and make them dependent on others. These patients value the support of family, friends, nurses, and other patients undergoing this treatment.