Experiences of Loss, Grief and Support Needs of Adults on Haemodialysis and Families: A Qualitative Explorative Study.
Jette Marcussen, Rikke Madsen, Ann Bonner and 2 others
PMID 41045068WHAT IT FOUND
Adults on haemodialysis and families described loss of daily life, identity and social connection, with anticipatory grief.
They wanted nurses to offer more time, private conversations and family-focused support.
Key findings
01Loss and grief affected daily living, and haemodialysis confronted patients and families with thoughts about death and anticipatory grief.
02Participants described changed identity and social life, including loss of work identity and less time with relationships outside the family.
03Patients and families asked for more time, private conversations and family-inclusive support for grief.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Only 17 interviews from two Danish haemodialysis units, all with ethnic Danish participants, may not reflect other countries or culturally diverse dialysis populations. The sample was limited to patients without a transplant option, so experiences may differ for people who have a transplant option. Interviews were done by Zoom or telephone because of the pandemic, which the authors say may have reduced depth. Four researchers conducted interviews, and participants were not told their words would be quoted directly, which may affect interpretation and anonymity expectations. As a qualitative study, it describes experiences and support needs; it does not test whether any intervention reduces grief or improves outcomes.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by the Danish Kidney Association Research Foundation and UC University College Lillebaelt.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the family grief model as an evaluated treatment that improves outcomes. It comes from 17 interviews with 9 patients and 8 family members in two Danish units, and the study did not test the model.