Experiences of Nurses Caring for Hemodialysis Patients: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis Study

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to systematically review and synthesize qualitative evidence on the experiences of nurses caring for hemodialysis patients. Methods: We used Noblit and Hare’s meta-ethnography. Seven databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, RISS, KISS, National Assembly Electronic Library) were used for the literature search. There were no restrictions placed on publication dates. A total of 10 studies published in English and Korean up until July 2021 were finally selected for review. Results: Three themes were identified from the literature review, which were then divided into six subthemes: acquiring the technical skills of hemodialysis, responsibility for prolonging patients’ lives, and maintaining stable hemodialysis in patients’ daily lives. Conclusion: The results of this study provide basic data that emphasizes the specific role of nurses in the hemodialysis unit, a specialized area of nursing, and can be utilized as educational material for hemodialysis unit nurse education.