Why do renal nurses focus on issues of compliance when working in the rehabilitative HD setting?

Renal nurses are aware that a process of rehabilitation and adaptation must be facilitated for ESRF patients to acquire adjustments in health behaviours and lifestyle. These philosophies advocate the use of holistic nursing approaches, however, it has been observed that renal nurses frequently adopt a compliance approach for their client group, an approach which impedes rather than enhances the rehabilitative process. The author researched the question of why renal nurses focus on issues of compliance when working in the rehabilitative HD setting using modified grounded theory principles. Tentative findings suggest renal nurses are cogniscent of rehabilitation/adaptive philosophies, but are constrained in their use by stressful working environments and limited resources. Recommendations to enhance practice and suggestions for further study are made.