J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2010 May;17(2):149-158.

Work Experience of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

• Park M
• Kim M

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to gain understanding of what career and related experience mean to individuals undergoing hemodialysis.
METHODS
Ten male patients receiving hemodialysis participated in the study. Data collection took place between November 18, 2008 and February 10, 2010, via unstructured interviews. Data collection and analysis were conducted simultaneously, and Colaizzi's phenomenological method (1978) was used for the analysis.
RESULTS
The significance the participants found in their "dual" life as worker and dialysis patients was classified into five categories: 'Recognition of self-existence value', 'My health comes before my work', 'Being afraid of stigma', 'Limitation of restricted work', and 'Difficulty with time management.'
CONCLUSION
It was found that the dialysis patients showed ambivalent feelings towards their careers, hoping they will be able to continue to work yet fearing that the continued work might break balance the between their livelihood and healing. Therefore, it is recommended that hours for hemodialysis be more flexible to ensure that patients can keep their jobs and better manage their time while undergoing treatment.

Keyword

Hemodialysis; Work; Qualitative research

MeSH Terms

Surveys and Questionnaires
Dialysis
Dietary Sucrose
Humans
Hypogonadism
Male
Mitochondrial Diseases
Ophthalmoplegia
Qualitative Research
Renal Dialysis
Dietary Sucrose
Hypogonadism
Mitochondrial Diseases
Ophthalmoplegia