The peritoneal dialysis in the experience of family caregivers

Abstract

This study aims to know the experience of family caregivers responsible for the peritoneal dialysis procedure at home. Qualitative search conducted with eight family caregivers of patients who had peritoneal dialysis at home, linked to a clinic in Rio Grande do Sul. The data collection happened through a semi-structured interview between April and May 2009. The data was submitted to thematic analysis from which three categories emerged: conditions that impose the responsibility with peritoneal dialysis; the complexity of care; and the changes in the routine of family caregivers. The responsibility in the peritoneal dialysis procedure modifies meaningfully the life of family caregivers. It is up to the health professionals to seek strategies to work according to the patient’s and the caregiver’s reality with the purpose of minimizing the impact on these people’s lives.

Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Patients Undergoing Dialysis: A Literature Review

“…Physical capacity problems in family caregivers comprise several themes, including the imbalance between caregiving and life, physical problems and functioning organ disturbances, the heavy burden of care, little time for self-care, difficulties experienced by intercurrences and actions taken, fatigue and lifestyle changes. These themes are consistent with the results of previously conducted studies ( Abebe et al, 2022 ; Cesar et al, 2013 ; Ek & Na, 2014 ; Eslami et al, 2018 ; Hejazi et al, 2021 ; Nkuranyabahizi et al, 2021 ; Rajkhowa, 2019 ; Surendran et al, 2018a ). The results of these various themes are based on research conducted on family caregivers of patients with stroke, wherein a significant impact on physical capacity was noted owing to the long-term care of these patients ( Kusuma et al, 2018 ).…”

“…It is not something simple and easy. There have been several changes in our lives” ( Cesar et al, 2013 ).…”

“…“ … in manual dialysis, we need … at those schedules to be at home. Then of course after he started dialysis, there were no trips to spend a night out” ( Cesar et al, 2013 ). Physical fatigue experienced by family caregivers affects QoL ( Akbari et al, 2023 ).…”

“…This is in accordance with the following statements: “ Oh, there are days I think … there are four exchanges per day and we … Look, it's not easy to go out! You have that schedule, you have to get home and undergo dialysis…” ( Cesar et al, 2013 ) . “ When we go back to our home, I make different home cares; you know he cannot eat all food we eat, when I buy a foodstuff, I select items which are suitable for him.…”

“…This is expressed in the following statements: “ In manual dialysis, we need … at those schedules to be at home. Then of course after he started dialysis, there were no trips to spend a night out” ( Cesar et al, 2013 ) . “ …We are living a sad life.…”