Lived Experience of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Quality of Life Perspective

There is growing recognition of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) issues in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients undergoing Hemodialysis (HD). The aim of the present study was to explore the lived experience of Quality of Life (QOL) among patients undergoing Hemodialysis. The study involved a qualitative approach that used an interpretive hermeneutic phenomenology based on Van Manen’s method. The sample included seven patients undergoing Hemodialysis in two selected hospitals at Ernakulam district in Kerala. They were recruited by purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis followed the six steps delineated by Max Van Manen and four themes emerged. They were crestfallen life (3 sub themes; hard pressed life, deserted life and abounding losses); support and comfort; accompanying death and unfulfilled wishes. The findings shed light on the lived experience of QOL that has not yet been researched in an Indian scenario. The generated knowledge can be used by health professionals including nurses to help patients undergoing HD lead a life with better quality of life.