Successful daily home hemodialysis patient-care partner dyads: Benefits outweigh burdens

Patients' experiences of cannulation of arteriovenous access for haemodialysis: A qualitative systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Cannulation is an essential part of haemodialysis with arteriovenous access. Patients' experiences of cannulation for haemodialysis are problematic but poorly understood. This review aims to synthesise findings related to patients' experiences of cannulation for haemodialysis from qualitative studies, providing a fuller description of this phenomenon.

METHODS

Eligibility criteria defined the inclusion of studies with a population of patients with end-stage kidney disease on haemodialysis. The phenomena of interest was findings related to patients' experiences of cannulation for haemodialysis and the context was both in-centre and home haemodialysis. MedLine, CINAHL, EMBASE, EMCARE, BNI, PsycInfo and PubMed were last searched between 20/05/2019 and 23/05/2019. The quality of studies was assessed using the using Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Meta-aggregation was used to synthesise findings and CERQual to assess the strength of accumulated findings.

RESULTS

This review included 26 studies. The subject of included studies covered cannulation, pain, experiences of vascular access, experiences of haemodialysis and a research priority setting exercise. From these studies, three themes were meta-aggregated: (1) Cannulation for haemodialysis is an unpleasant, abnormal and unique procedure associated with pain, abnormal appearance, vulnerability and dependency. (2) The necessity of cannulation for haemodialysis emphasises the unpleasantness of the procedure. Success had multiple meanings for patients and patients worry about whether the needle insertion will be successful. (3) Patients survive unpleasant, necessary and repetitive cannulation by learning to tolerate cannulation and exerting control over the procedure. Feeling safe can help them tolerate cannulation better and the cannulator can invoke feeling safe. However, some patients still avoid cannulation, due to its unpleasantness.

CONCLUSIONS

Cannulation is a pervasive procedure that impacts on patients' experiences of haemodialysis. This review illuminates further patients' experiences of cannulation for haemodialysis, indicating how improvements can be made to cannulation.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42019134583).

Dyadic Coping in Couples Facing Chronic Physical Illness: A Systematic Review

Objective: Chronic physical illness affects not only patients but also their partners. Dyadic coping (DC)-the ways couples cope in dealing with a stressor such as chronic illness-has received increased attention over the last three decades. The aim of the current study was to summarize the state of research on DC in couples with chronic physical illnesses. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies published between 1990 and 2020, assessing DC in couples affected by severe physical illnesses. We used DC and related search terms for the literature search in Psycinfo, Psyndex, and Medline. Five thousand three hundred thirty studies were identified in three electronic databases and 49 of these were included in the review (5,440 individuals reported on 2,820 dyads). We excluded studies on cancer, cardiovascular disease, and multiple sclerosis because of existing reviews in the respective fields. Half of the studies included were on diabetes. Other studies were on arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Huntington's disease, lupus erythematosus, Parkinson's disease, renal diseases, stroke, and endometriosis. Two raters extracted data using a predefined protocol, including study quality. Results were collated in a narrative synthesis organized by illness and DC operationalization. Results: Overall, DC was associated with beneficial outcomes in physical health, well-being, and relationship satisfaction. Differential effects became apparent for certain chronic conditions potentially depending on certain disease characteristics, such as early-onset, sudden-onset, or life-threatening conditions. Conclusion: Facing challenges together as a couple seemed indispensable for adapting to a diverse range of demands related to chronic illnesses with some specific demands of particular chronic diseases. There is a need for the development of truly dyadic interventions with an eye on the specific challenges of the various chronic conditions.

Exploring stakeholders and their requirements in the process of home hemodialysis: A literature review

Providing home hemodialysis (HHD) therapy is a complex process that not only requires the use of a complex technology but also involves a diverse group of stakeholders, and each stakeholder has their requirements and may not share a common interest. Bringing them together will require the alignment of their interests. A process management perspective can help to accomplish the alignment of their interests. To align their interests, it is crucial to identify interest groups and understand their interests. The main objective of this paper is to identify the stakeholders and represents their interests as a list of requirements in the HHD process. An extensive literature review has been carried out and PubMed was used for literature extraction. In total, 1848 articles were retrieved of which 80 have fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A large array of actors is identified and their interests/requirements at different stages of the HHD process are represented in the form of a list. They have both common and conflicting requirements in the HHD process. If these requirements are aligned and balanced, a stakeholder's driven treatment process will be developed and a real improvement will be achieved in the treatment process.

End-stage renal disease is not yours, is not mine, is OURS: Exploring couples lived experiences through dyadic interviews

INTRODUCTION

As a psychosocial dyad, couples are greatly challenged by end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal replacement therapies are highly demanding and involve lifelong restrictions and readjustments that sometimes translate into profound changes in couples' routines. However, little is known about the experiences of these couples with this condition. This study examined the experiences of couples living with ESRD.

METHODS

A qualitative exploratory study was conducted with a purposive sample. Semistructured dyadic interviews were conducted with 12 patients (65.1 ± 12.8 years old; eight males) undergoing in-center hemodialysis for 18.6 (±13.3) months and their spouses (60.3 ± 11.2 years old; seven females). The interviews were digitally audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and submitted to thematic analysis by two independent researchers.

FINDINGS

The findings from the dyadic perspective were conceptualized into two major themes: negative impacts (emotional distress, constraints on leisure and daily activities, impacts on couples' dynamics, and difficulties in meal planning) and unmet needs (educational, relational, financial, instrumental, and supportive needs).

DISCUSSION

The findings suggested that ESRD has several negative impacts that are related to the reported unmet needs, which might difficult couples' psychosocial adjustment to the condition. Both partners may benefit from educational and supportive interventions that address their needs, targeting the couple as a unit. Recognizing ESRD as a family condition is crucial for the development of innovative family-based interventions that can promote couples' healthy adjustment to the disease.

A narrative systematic review of randomised controlled trials that compare cannulation techniques for haemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Cannulation of arteriovenous access for haemodialysis affects longevity of the access, associates with complications and affects patients' experiences of haemodialysis. Buttonhole and rope ladder techniques were developed to reduce complications. However, studies that compare these two techniques report disparate results. This systematic review performs an in-depth exploration of RCTs, with a specific focus on cannulation as a complex intervention.

METHODS

A PICO question and protocol was developed as per PRISMA-P guidance and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018094656 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=112895). The systematic review included any RCT performed on adult patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing cannulation of arteriovenous fistulae or grafts for in-centre haemodialysis, as performed by healthcare staff. Assessment of quality of RCTs and data extraction were performed by two co-authors independently. Data were extracted on the study design, intervention and comparator and outcomes, including patency, infection and patients' experiences.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 241 records. Ten records met inclusion criteria, which described five different RCTs that compared buttonhole to either rope ladder or usual practice. Results were disparate, with patency and infection results varying. Pain Visual Analogue scores were the only measure used to capture patients' experiences and results were inconclusive. All RCTs had differences and limitations in study design that could explain the disparity in results.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence does not allow definitive conclusions as to whether buttonhole or rope ladder needling technique is superior. Future RCTs should describe interventions and comparators with adequate detail, embed process evaluation, use standardised outcome measures and build on feasibility studies to produce definitive results.

"What do we fear the most?": Exploring fears and concerns of patients, family members and dyads in end-stage renal disease

INTRODUCTION

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the need for haemodialysis (HD) treatment are increasing. The course of the disease and all the life readjustments needed may generate a multitude of fears in patients and families.

AIM

This study aimed to explore the main fears and concerns of patients with ESRD undergoing HD and their family members.

STUDY DESIGN

A qualitative study was performed.

METHODS

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with three groups: 20 patients, 14 family caregivers and 15 patient-family dyads. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and submitted to thematic analysis.

FINDINGS

Five major themes emerged: (i) fear of death (fear of earlier death, fear of a sudden death and fear of dying); (ii) fear of problems during HD (fears related to the vascular access, and fear of complications during HD); (iii) concerns related to the disease (fear of loss of autonomy, fears of getting worse, fears related to renal transplantation and concerns about dietary restrictions); (iv) fear about the future; and (v) absence of fears and concerns.

DISCUSSION

Patients with ESRD undergoing HD and their family members expressed different fears related to the disease and the treatments required. Renal care staff must acknowledge and understand such concerns and help patients and families to cope. This is important to improving people's quality of life (QoL), the dialogue between health professionals, patients, and family members, and the care offered by the dialysis care settings. Moreover, this study highlights the impact this disease has at a familial level. Future family-based interventions should acknowledge possible fears and concerns of this population and integrate them into their programs.

Development of a measure for patients preparing to start dialysis and their partners: The Starting Dialysis Questionnaire (SDQ)

Background

The transition onto dialysis is a stressful time that affects both patients and their partners. Research suggests that psychological and interpersonal characteristics within the couple are related to how well they adapt to dialysis. The aim of this multi-phase, mixed methods study was to develop a measure, the Starting Dialysis Questionnaire (SDQ), that is applicable to both patients and their partners and assesses their own thoughts and feelings about these constructs.

Methods

Data from semi-structured interviews with patients and their partners (n = 22 couples) were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis to identify and define constructs related to quality of life (QOL). Next, items addressing these constructs were derived from the interviews. Then, cognitive interviews were conducted with patients with chronic kidney disease and their partners (n = 5 couples) to assess the face validity and comprehensibility of the items. Lastly, preliminary psychometric properties were evaluated in a sample of patients preparing to start dialysis and their partners (n = 83 couples).

Results

Three themes related to QOL were identified, namely dialysis expectations, accepting dialysis and dyadic relationship characteristics. The cognitive interviews refined the SDQ and established its face validity. Psychometric assessments indicated that overall the items performed well and did not show significant floor or ceiling effects. Good internal consistency was found within the three domains, and items correlated within the domains.

Conclusions

The SDQ is a measure (34 items) that assesses key psychological and interpersonal factors in patients and their partners as they start dialysis. It shows good preliminary psychometric properties; however, a large-scale field trial is needed to establish its validity. Once validated, it could offer a clinically useful tool to assist clinicians in preparing patients and partners for dialysis.

Patients’ and caregivers’ expectations and experiences of remote monitoring for peritoneal dialysis: A qualitative interview study

Background:

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) can offer more flexibility and independence compared with hemodialysis, yet uptake of PD remains low. Barriers to PD include the fear of dialyzing without medical assistance and uncertainty about recognizing and managing complications. There is increasing use of remote monitoring in automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), but little is known about its acceptability by patients and caregivers. We aimed to describe patients’ and caregivers’ expectations and experiences of remote monitoring for APD.

Methods:

Qualitative study design, using semi-structured face-to-face interviews of patients who either receiving PD or were considered eligible for PD, and their caregivers. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results:

Of the 34 participants, 27 were patients and the remainder caregivers. Four themes (with subthemes) were identified reducing patient burden (seeking reassurance and shared responsibility, convenience and accuracy); strengthening partnerships in care (empowering knowledge and understanding, increased accountability to dialysis team); improving access to treatment (saving time and money, providing timely care and avoiding hospital); and preserving quality patient–provider interactions (enhancing face-to-face contact, clarifying expectations of access and use of data).

Conclusions:

Remote monitoring may increase patient knowledge about their kidney disease and its treatment, encourage accountability to the clinical team, enhance partnerships with clinicians, and improve access to treatment and timely care. It is also important to ensure that remote monitoring does not replace face-to-face clinical contact with clinicians.

Impact of Dialysis on the Dyadic Relationship Between Male Patients and Their Female Partners

The objective of this study was to explore the impact of three early phases of renal dialysis, namely pre-dialysis, starting dialysis, and establishing dialysis, on dyadic relationships. Twenty UK-based dyads (20 male patients and their female partners) participated in semi-structured interviews and discussed the effects of dialysis on themselves and their relationship. Dyadic thematic analysis, facilitated by dyadic-level charting, integrated participants' experiences and enabled identification of patterns across dyads. We found that dialysis had positive and negative influences on identity, social relationships, and mental health, forming the themes: Prioritizing the Patient, Carrying the Burden, and Changing Identities. The final theme, Managing the Relationship, described how dyads prevented dialysis from negatively impacting their relationship. Dyadic-level charting provided a systematic examination of individual and dyadic experiences. These findings indicate that access to informational and support services for dyads as they prepare to start dialysis may minimize negative effects on their relationship.

Dyadic Coping Across the Lifespan: A Comparison Between Younger and Middle-Aged Couples With Breast Cancer

The association between dyadic coping and adjustment to cancer has been well-established. However, a significant gap in the literature is the understanding of how the life stage of couples may influence their dyadic coping and the accompanying quality of life. Although younger couples have been identified at higher risk for poor coping because of less collaborative behaviors and higher vulnerability to stress, only a limited number of studies have addressed younger women's coping with breast cancer in the context of close relationships. The present study addressed the differential impact of the illness on the quality of life and dyadic coping behaviors of younger and middle-aged dyads and the influence of relational mutuality on couples' coping in the two groups. A sample of 86 couples participated in a cross-sectional study; 35 younger couples were compared to 51 middle-aged dyads. Patients and partners completed measures of quality of life, dyadic coping, and mutuality. Independent-samples t-tests were used to examine differences in the two groups, while the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) identified actor and partner effects of relational mutuality on dyadic coping. Younger women and their partners reported statistically significant worse quality of life and dyadic coping scores than the middle-age group. For younger couples, positive and negative coping styles were the result of both actor and partner effects of mutuality. The study highlighted the more negative impact of breast cancer on the quality of life of younger patients and partners. It also revealed a stronger influence of each partner's relational mutuality compared to the middle-age group in predicting both adaptive and maladaptive coping behavior. Future studies should continue to examine the developmental trajectory of dyadic coping across the lifespan in order to develop psychosocial interventions to promote younger dyads' coping efforts.

Work of being an adult patient with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review of qualitative studies

INTRODUCTION

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires patients and caregivers to invest in self-care and self-management of their disease. We aimed to describe the work for adult patients that follows from these investments and develop an understanding of burden of treatment (BoT).

METHODS

Systematic review of qualitative primary studies that builds on EXPERTS1 Protocol, PROSPERO registration number: CRD42014014547. We included research published in English, Spanish and Portuguese, from 2000 to present, describing experience of illness and healthcare of people with CKD and caregivers. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, Scopus, Scientific Electronic Library Online and Red de Revistas Científicas de América Latina y el Caribe, España y Portugal. Content was analysed with theoretical framework using middle-range theories.

RESULTS

Searches resulted in 260 studies from 30 countries (5115 patients and 1071 carers). Socioeconomic status was central to the experience of CKD, especially in its advanced stages when renal replacement treatment is necessary. Unfunded healthcare was fragmented and of indeterminate duration, with patients often depending on emergency care. Treatment could lead to unemployment, and in turn, to uninsurance or underinsurance. Patients feared catastrophic events because of diminished financial capacity and made strenuous efforts to prevent them. Transportation to and from haemodialysis centre, with variable availability and cost, was a common problem, aggravated for patients in non-urban areas, or with young children, and low resources. Additional work for those uninsured or underinsured included fund-raising. Transplanted patients needed to manage finances and responsibilities in an uncertain context. Information on the disease, treatment options and immunosuppressants side effects was a widespread problem.

CONCLUSIONS

Being a person with end-stage kidney disease always implied high burden, time-consuming, invasive and exhausting tasks, impacting on all aspects of patients' and caregivers' lives. Further research on BoT could inform healthcare professionals and policy makers about factors that shape patients' trajectories and contribute towards a better illness experience for those living with CKD.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42014014547.

How an ordeal becomes the norm: A qualitative exploration of experiences of self-cannulation in male home haemodialysis patients

OBJECTIVES

Despite home haemodialysis (HHD) being associated with significant health and psychosocial benefits, it remains an under-utilized dialysis modality for people with chronic kidney disease. Self-cannulation, where patients insert their own needles for dialysis, is a key component of HHD. Recent research suggests that the prospect of self-cannulation is a barrier for patients, but there is little research which examines why this is the case. The aim of this study was to explore male HHD patients' experiences and attitudes towards self-cannulation.

DESIGN

Qualitative methods were adopted to gather in-depth views from experienced HHD patients from a UK renal centre.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight male HHD patients (HHD duration: 12-55 months). During the interview, the researcher elicited participants' lived experience of self-cannulation. Topics included the decision to self-cannulate and the impact of self-cannulation on the patient. The data collected were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

RESULTS

The findings from this study elucidate the process of how self-cannulation changed from an ordeal to the norm in these participants' lives. The central theme from these interviews is that 'becoming a person who self-cannulates is a process'. Three super-ordinate themes were discussed that relate to this central theme: 'gaining control', 'building confidence', and 'becoming the norm'.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study suggest that some patients' initial fears of self-cannulation can be overcome. These findings offer health care professionals and patients alike a greater understanding of how patients who self-cannulate conceptualize it and its role in their mental and physical health. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Home haemodialysis is a cost-effective form of renal replacement therapy which is under-utilized in the United Kingdom. Home haemodialysis is associated with positive health outcomes. Self-cannulation is noted as a barrier to home haemodialysis. What does this study add? Describes the process by which male dialysis patients became proficient in self-cannulation. Highlights psychological mechanisms which may facilitate and maintain self-cannulation. Suggests practical techniques which can be incorporated into renal clinics and care plans.

The antecedents and outcomes of dyadic coping in close personal relationships: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Theories of dyadic coping and empirical literature have intermittently and inconsistently highlighted antecedents and outcomes of dyadic coping. The purpose of this review was to systematically identify the antecedents and outcomes of dyadic coping in close personal relationships.

DESIGN

A PRISMA-guided systematic review and narrative synthesis.

METHODS

Literature searches were conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and citation pearl growing to identify studies that were relevant to the aim of the review. The search strategy and exclusion criteria led to a final sample of 46 studies that each highlighted antecedents and outcomes of dyadic coping among married couples. Each study was critically appraised and analyzed using narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

The narrative synthesis highlighted five antecedents (learning, gender, relationship characteristics, relationship role, and cultural influences) and two outcomes (relationship functioning and personal health) of dyadic coping.

CONCLUSION

The review exposes inconsistencies in the conceptualization of dyadic coping, highlights a range of antecedents that influence dyadic coping, and suggests that dyadic coping can have positive benefits for relationship functioning and personal health. The findings have implications for future research and practice (e.g. when working with couples to improve relationship functioning).

Predictors of Transfer to Home Hemodialysis after Peritoneal Dialysis Completion

♦

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictors of transfer to home hemodialysis (HHD) after peritoneal dialysis (PD) completion. ♦

METHODS

All Australian and New Zealand patients treated with PD on day 90 after initiation of renal replacement therapy between 2000 and 2012 were included. Completion of PD was defined by death, transplantation, or hemodialysis (HD) for 180 days or more. Patients were categorized as "transferred to HHD" if they initiated HHD fewer than 180 days after PD had ended. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of transfer to HHD in a restricted cohort experiencing PD technique failure; a competing-risks analysis was used in the unrestricted cohort. ♦

RESULTS

Of 10 710 incident PD patients, 3752 died, 1549 underwent transplantation, and 2915 transferred to HD, among whom 156 (5.4%) started HHD. The positive predictors of transfer to HHD in the restricted cohort were male sex [odds ratio (OR): 2.81], obesity (OR: 2.20), and PD therapy duration (OR: 1.10 per year). Negative predictors included age (OR: 0.95 per year), infectious cause of technique failure (OR: 0.48), underweight (OR: 0.50), kidney disease resulting from hypertension (OR: 0.38) or diabetes (OR: 0.32), race being Maori (OR: 0.65) or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (OR: 0.30). Comparable results were obtained with a competing-risks model. ♦

CONCLUSIONS

Transfer to HHD after completion of PD is rare and predicted by patient characteristics at baseline and at the time of PD end. Transition to HHD should be considered more often in patients using PD, especially when they fulfill the identified characteristics.

Freedom and confinement: patients' experiences of life with home haemodialysis

Patients with chronic end stage renal disease need dialysis to survive; however, they also need a treatment that suits their life situation. It is important that healthcare providers provide reliable, up-to-date information about different dialysis treatment options. Since home haemodialysis is a relatively new treatment, it is necessary to gather more knowledge about what the treatment entails from the patient's perspective. The aim of this study was to describe patients' experiences of having home haemodialysis. To gain access to the patients' experiences, they were asked to write narratives, which describe both their good and bad experiences of life with the treatment. The narratives were analysed with a qualitative method. The results of this analysis are subdivided into five themes: freedom to be at home and control their own treatment, feeling of being alone with the responsibility, changes in the home environment, need for support, and security and well-being with home haemodialysis. The conclusion is that home haemodialysis provides a certain level of freedom, but the freedom is limited as the treatment itself is restrictive. In order to improve patients' experiences with home haemodialysis, more research based on patients' experiences is needed and it is necessary to involve the patients in the development of the care.

Sleep and sleep-wake disturbances in care recipient-caregiver dyads in the context of a chronic illness: a critical review of the literature

CONTEXT

Alterations in sleep-wake patterns of care recipients and their informal caregivers are common in the context of a chronic illness. Given the current notion that sleep may be regulated within and affected by close human relationships, concurrent and interrelated sleep problems may be present in care recipient-caregiver dyads.

OBJECTIVES

To critically analyze evidence regarding concurrent sleep patterns or changes in care recipient-caregiver dyads in the context of a chronic illness and address methodological and research gaps.

METHODS

Using a wide range of key terms and synonyms, three electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, and Embase) were systematically searched for the period between January 1990 and July 2011.

RESULTS

Ten studies met prespecified selection criteria and were included for analysis. Study quality was fair to good on average. Seven studies were conducted in the context of dementia or Parkinson's disease, two in the context of cancer, and one study included a group of community elders with mixed related comorbidities and their informal caregivers. Bidirectional associations in the sleep of care recipient-caregiver dyads seem to exist. Concurrent and comparable nocturnal sleep disruptions also may be evident. Yet, inconsistencies in the methods implemented, and the samples included, as well as uncertainty regarding factors coaffecting sleep, still preclude safe conclusions to be drawn on.

CONCLUSION

The dyadic investigation of sleep is a promising approach to the development of truly effective interventions to improve sleep quality of care recipients and their caregivers. Nevertheless, more systematic, longitudinal dyadic research is warranted to augment our understanding of co-occurrence and over time changes of sleep problems in care recipient-caregiver dyads, as well as to clarify covariates/factors that appear to contribute to these problems within the dyad and across time and context of illness.