Impact of peritoneal dialysis on the family life of children with chronic kidney disease: integrative literature review

Abstract

Background: Living with a child with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) on Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) has a significant impact on the family. Aims: To identify the difficulties experienced by the parents and the strategies adopted by the nurses to minimize the impact of PD on the family life of children with CKD. Methodology: A literature review was conducted using different search engines and databases with predefined inclusion criteria and descriptors. After critical appraisal of the results, 7 articles were obtained: 5 from MEDLINE and 2 from CINHAL. Results: Changes in family daily lives are consequence of the disease. The results showed that parents, particularly the mothers, are the main caregivers of these children. They mentioned difficulties related to maintaining a steady job, financial constraints and increased medical costs. Conclusion: The changes imposed by the CKD adversely affect the family dynamics. Thus, the nurses’ interventions should focus on identifying the difficulties experienced during the adaptation process, sharing care and promoting the family’s well-being. Future studies on the nurses’ interventions with these families of children on PD are recommended.