Hemodialysis and spirituality: Exploring spiritual expectations of hemodialysis patients in a University Dialysis Center
Swiss Medical Weekly
; 152(Supplement 266):11S, 2022.
Article
in English
| EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2207816
ABSTRACT
Background:
Previous American studies suggest that dialysis patients want dialysis caregivers to discuss spirituality and mobilize appropriate spiritual resources. Whether this also applies to the Swiss dialysis population, and whether patients' spiritual experiences contribute to their coping mechanisms is unknown. The objective of this pilot study was therefore to explore the spiritual expectations of hemodialysis patients in a Swiss Dialysis Center. Methods or Case description An experienced sociologist (SM) conducted 20 qualitative, semi-structured interviews with dialysis patients in the ambulatory chronic dialysis unit of the University Hospital of Lausanne. Among the questions asked were Do you have any spirituality, religion, belief, or interest in broader existential issues? If so, which one(s)? Did the COVID-19 pandemic influence your spiritual practices? Would you like health professionals to take note of what you have just told me? All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then coded and analyzed with Atlas.ti software. Results or Learning points In total, 14/20 (70%) patients practiced some form of religion (believers), 4 were agnosts, and 2 defined themselves as atheist. The majority (75%) consider that spirituality can play a positive role to preserve hope and to manage the difficulties caused by the disease and its treatment. However, only 25% of believers would appreciate support of a spiritual nature from dialysis caregivers. The majority of those who have spiritual practices wish to keep it private and outside the hospital structure. Their relationship to spirituality has generally not been significantly impacted by their changing health status, or the COVID-19 pandemic. The most frequently mentioned needs are related to social dimensions (isolation, loneliness, need to talk, financial problems). Conclusion(s) In this pilot study, the majority of Swiss dialysis patients did not express the wish to discuss more often spiritual issues with dialysis caregivers, but they would appreciate more attention for social and socio-economic difficulties.
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Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
EMBASE
Language:
English
Journal:
Swiss Medical Weekly
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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