Background

In Sweden there are almost 1100 people per year who suffer from chronic renal failure. Chronic kidney disease is a serious and progressive disease that causes uremic symptoms. Without proper treatment, the disease can lead to death. The goal of haemodialysis treatment is to improve the patient's quality of life by preventing or alleviating uremic symptoms, as well as slowing down the deterioration of kidney function and possible complications and consequences of kidney failure. Living with haemodialysis involves major physical, psychological and social changes in the patient's life which causes suffering

Aim

The aim of this study is to highlight patients' experiences of living with haemodialysis

Method

A literature review was performed, based on eight qualitative articles. A content analysis was made according to Friberg's four steps

Results

The results show three main themes and eight subthemes which describe the patient's experience of living with haemodialysis. Results show that patients experienced loss of freedom because of the bound and dependence they felt to haemodialysis and the competence of the hospital staff. The treatment also resulted in limitations on the patient's life, which resulted in changes in the physical, psychological and social aspects of the patient's life. To be able to handle the changes, the patients developed different strategies, such as finding strength and faith in religion and the family, and many patients hoped to get a kidney transplant.

Conclusion

Nurses have continuous contact with patients in haemodialysis. These patients need physical, psychological, social and existential/ spiritual support. By knowledge and increased understanding of the patient's individual experience of their illness and treatment, the nurses may more easily relieve the patient's suffering, promote health and increase their well-being and create a good healthcare relationship.