Expressions of Gratitude and Positive Emotion Among Hemodialysis Patients: Qualitative Findings

Abstract

The current qualitative inquiry solicited hemodialysis (HD) patients to identify events or incidences that have gone well in their day-to-day life and things they consider to be blessings, and to further reflect on the contributors to such events. Hemodialysis patients kept an electronic journal using investigator-purchased tablet computers. Multiple themes emerged for which HD patients expressed gratitude: 1) life itself, 2) positive or improving health, 3) family interactions and social support, 4) clinic resources, favorable treatment therapy, and staff, and 5) other small events. Clinicians are urged to explore the psychological assets that HD patients possess with a focus on how these might be further cultivated and whether their amplification leads to improved quality of life.