Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
14:43
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Use of focus groups to identify concerns about dialysis. Choice Study
E B Bass1, M W Jenckes, N E Fink
1Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Summary
Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have quality-of-life (QOL) concerns that healthcare providers may not fully grasp. Focus groups revealed differences in how patients and professionals perceive ESRD's impact on QOL and dialysis aspects.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
- Healthcare Communication
Background:
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD) significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QOL).
- Healthcare providers may underestimate the full scope of patient concerns regarding ESRD and dialysis.
- Qualitative research methods can explore these patient-provider discrepancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the perspectives of dialysis patients and healthcare professionals on QOL domains affected by ESRD and dialysis.
- To identify specific aspects of dialysis care that influence patient QOL.
- To assess the utility of focus groups in uncovering patient-provider differences in QOL perception.
Main Methods:
- Focus group discussions were conducted separately with hemodialysis patients, peritoneal dialysis patients, nephrologists, and other dialysis care professionals.
- Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and independently reviewed by investigators.
- A total of 1,271 distinct thoughts were identified and categorized into QOL domains and dialysis aspects.
Main Results:
- Patients identified more unique QOL domains and dialysis aspects compared to professionals.
- Patients expressed a greater number of thoughts per QOL domain than professionals.
- While some overlap existed, patients' and professionals' views on specific QOL domains (e.g., mental attitude, symptoms) and dialysis aspects (e.g., scheduling, staff relationships) showed notable differences.
Conclusions:
- Focus groups effectively highlighted a broader range of patient QOL concerns than previously appreciated by healthcare professionals.
- Understanding these nuanced patient perspectives is crucial for improving holistic care in ESRD.
- Further research should explore strategies to bridge the gap in QOL understanding between patients and providers.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a procedure that facilitates the exchange of solutes, waste products, electrolytes, and excess fluid between the blood in the peritoneal capillaries and a dialysis solution introduced into the peritoneal cavity.Principles of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)Diffusion: Waste products such as urea and electrolytes move from high concentrations in the blood to low concentrations in the dialysate across the peritoneal membrane. This mechanism is driven by the concentration...
01:25Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Hemodialysis (HD) is a medical treatment that artificially removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. In this process, blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the selective removal of waste while preserving necessary components like blood cells and proteins. Hemodialysis is typically performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney...