Adjustment demands through diagnosis and treatment of end stage renal disease

Abstract

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is a chronic illness that results when the kidneys are no longer able to function to maintain life. Upon cessation of kidney function, patients must undergo life long medical treatment involving dialysis or transplantation to survive. Patients face an adverse situation as both the disease and treatment are life threatening, and there is no cure. Despite the numerous advancements in treating ESRD, a myriad of stressors affect patients’ lives that require significant adjustment. Adjustment is a construct that is not well defined in the literature, or understood from a patient’s perspective. For the purpose of this study, adjustment will be explored in terms of adjustment demands patients face as they progress through diagnosis and treatment of ESRD. No research has been found on adjustment demands faced by recipients of kidney transplants in Canada. Additionally, no research has been done in Occupational Therapy and adjustment in patients with ESRD. This was a qualitative study utilizing a phenomenological approach. Study results stress the need for individualized holistic care, education and support.