Uppbundet och omistligt på samma gång : Utifrån ett patientperspektiv- hur är det att leva med dialys? En litteraturöversikt

Sammanfattning: Background: In Sweden today approximately one million people are experiencing kidneyproblems and over 10 000 are living with dialysis or have undergone a kidneytransplant. Impaired kidneyfunction affect patient life and many feel that they have a poorer quality of life and are missing being able to live their life to the fullest. Nurses need an increased understanding of how patients may experience their situation, this to be able to meet the possibly increasing group of patients.   Aim: Describe from a patient perspective what it is like to live with dialysis.    Method: A descriptive literature study with 12 qualitative articles.   Results: Three teams were found: emotions linked to dialysis, limitations due to dialysis and the importance of the social environment for patients on dialysis. Different feelings such as hope and the motivation to continue the dialysis but also tiredness and depression appeared. The reality of being tied to the dialysis for necessary treatments, time-consuming restrictions and limited food- and beverage consumption emerged as tough for many patients. The patient's social and family life are both greatly affected and it is important to have support from family, friends and staff.    Conclusion: Dialysis affects patients in numerous ways and this is something the nurse should be aware of. This knowledge will give the nurse a better possibility to care and help these patients deal with their daily life in the best way and support them with strength to continue living with dialysis despite lack of freedom.   Keywords: Dialysis, nursing science, patient perspective, reconciliation.