“More than pain”: Experiences of dialyzed patients regarding their puncture in hemodialysis

Abstract

Introduction: Pain during puncture of the arteriovenous fistula is a constant in all hemodialysis patients. Objective: The purpose of the study was to explore the perception of pain during puncture in hemodialysis patients, analyzing both emotions and ideas about their quality of life. Material and Method: A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was carried out at the Reina Sofía University Hospital in Córdoba, at the Nephrology Unit and at the External Consultation Service “El Perpetuo Socorro” (which also belongs to the same hospital). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten patients, men and women suffering from chronic renal failure on hemodialysis. Results: A content analysis was carried out from which three main categories associated with different subcategories emerged: 1) It hurts, it hurts, huh? But… (Improves over time; When it hurts, it does; Does it hurt? You don't even know); 2) Anxiety and fears related to the intervention (Question of make aware; Anticipatory anxiety; Despair and insecurity in the face of complications and misinformation; For God's sake, do not break the fistula!; The nurse’s hands); 3) A compromised quality of life (Many limitations; But it doesn't have that much impact; catheter or fistula?). Conclusions: The study allowed describing the perceptions of hemodialysis patients regarding puncture, context and consequences, allowing, first, a greater understanding and empathy in health professionals and, later, a basis for other approaches to the phenomenon.