Interactions with the Chronically-ill: Discovering Care Opportunities for Holistic Health Care

This research is a qualitative inquiry on the caring interactions of hemodialysis nurses and End Stage Renal Disease patients. The research questions were focused on determining the caring characteristics that nurses used as they interact with the chronically-ill. A case study approach was considered appropriate by the researcher to match with the nature of the given processes. The study had been conducted in a natural setting with a total number of six hemodialysis nurse participants. Data were gathered by means of individual interviews and direct non-participant observations. The data were explored primarily within the case followed by cross case analysis incorporating thematic analysis. The data analysis generated conclusions: the existence of a unique caring relationship, the power of interpersonal teaching and the need for advocacy of endof-life care opened doors for a better understanding of the interactions of a hemodialysis nurse and a chrnically-ill patient.

 

Keywords - nurses, hemodialysis, nurse-patient interaction, chronic kidney disease