Middle-range theory of the existential dimension of being-in-the-world of chronic kidney disease: Grounded Theory

Abstract

Objectives: to develop a middle-range theory of the existential dimension of being-in-the-world of chronic kidney disease in the light of humanistic nursing theory. Methods: exploratory-descriptive, qualitative, Grounded Theory study, whose guiding question was: what theoretical relationships can be established between clinical practice carried out in the context of renal replacement therapies and the concepts of humanistic nursing theory? Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nursing staff and chronic kidney disease patients. Results: a theory was developed that describes and explains the existential dimension of being-in-the-world of chronic kidney disease, identifying the qualitative evidence present in this context. Final Considerations: the theory contributes to clinical nursing practice qualification in nephrology, consolidating nursing as an art and science, because it arises from care practice and research, in addition to rescuing what differentiates it within the health disciplines, which is care par excellence.