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Abstract

Background: The prevalence rate for Chronic Kidney Disease in England has increased in recent years, with an estimated 6.1% of adults affected by the condition. From those people requiring Renal Replacement Therapy; 41% receive life-sustaining haemodialysis treatment. Studies have found that haemodialysis treatment has a marked impact on people’s physical and psychological well-being, including the negative effects it can have on people’s quality of life, and intimate and social relationships. To date, the investigation of people’s experiences of being a parent that receives haemodialysis treatment has been an area that has received little attention.

Research design and aim: A qualitative research study was employed to gain an in depth understanding of the lived experiences of parents that receive haemodialysis treatment.

Methods: Ten parents who received hospital-based haemodialysis treatment were recruited through a National Health Service Trust. From the ten parents, six were mothers and four were fathers with a median age of 41.9 years. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews that were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were then analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Findings: Two themes emerged from the data. The first theme, ‘the haemodialysis experience’ explores the experience of living with the demands, necessity and the process of haemodialysis treatment. It describes people’s lived experience of being on the haemodialysis ward, the professional care they received, and the effects from the physical side-effects of the treatment. The second theme, ‘the lived experience of parents with end stage renal disease’, captures the different facets of being a parent. It explores the parents’ perception of their children’s experience of having a parent with end stage renal disease, people’s thoughts of their own mortality and the impact chronic illness has on family life.

Discussion: The study emphasises the complex and multifaceted challenges faced by parents receiving haemodialysis treatment. The significance of these findings contributes to the field of Health Psychology by providing a valuable insight of the main difficulties this client group experience, including how the challenges of parenthood and chronic illnesses are managed. The findings provide a resource that can inform clinical practice for Health Psychologists and other Healthcare Professionals.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RZ Other systems of medicine
Departments:	Doctoral Theses School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses School of Health & Psychological Sciences

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