Chong HJ, Jang MK, Kim HK. Decision-making experiences regarding kidney transplant among older adults in South Korea: A qualitative descriptive study.
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024;
119:108044. [PMID:
37976666 DOI:
10.1016/j.pec.2023.108044]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To explore the decision-making experiences of older patients with end-stage renal disease who chose to undergo kidney transplantation.
METHODS
This was a qualitative descriptive study.Twelve participants aged over 60 years who underwent kidney transplantation were recruited from a kidney transplant clinic in a hospital in South Korea. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted from March to April 2021. The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Four main themes were identified: 1) hesitation towards complex and risky kidney transplant, 2) internal suffering due to social prejudice and limits, 3) taking a step back from the decision-making process, and 4) being rushed into a decision on the brink of death.
CONCLUSION
Older patients with end-stage renal disease experience hesitation and difficulties and are passive in the decision-making process for a kidney transplant. They lacked sufficient relevant information and decided to receive transplant surgery, feeling pressured by the recommendations of family and healthcare providers.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
Healthcare professionals should help older patients with end-stage renal disease make proactive decisions by providing tailored education programs and improving communication between the patients and their family members. Changing negative social perceptions and implementing supportive policies are necessary to resolve the difficulties experienced by such patients.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
Patients were involved in the data collection as interview participants in this study.
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