Use of Creative Writing to Illustrate Lived Experiences in Hemodialysis-Dependent Children with Chronic Kidney...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Child Psychology
• Arts in Health research

Background:

• Pediatric kidney failure presents a significant disease burden, yet children's lived experiences remain under-explored.
• Understanding these experiences is crucial for enhancing patient care, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and long-term outcomes.
• Arts in Health (AIH) offers a potential avenue for gaining insight into pediatric patients' perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the lived experiences of children undergoing hemodialysis for chronic kidney failure.
• To explore the utility of a creative, writing-based Arts in Health project in understanding these experiences.
• To identify key themes reflecting the challenges and resilience of pediatric patients with kidney failure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of a creative, writing-based Arts in Health project.
• Qualitative directed-content analysis of patient narratives.
• Inclusion of pediatric patients on hemodialysis.

Main Results:

• Five primary themes emerged: physical limitations, mental and emotional distress, reliance on hemodialysis, problem-solving, and social alienation.
• The study validated the profound impact of kidney failure on children's daily lives.
• Patient narratives highlighted significant resilience in the face of adversity.

Conclusions:

• Creative, writing-based Arts in Health initiatives can effectively illuminate the lived experiences of children with kidney failure.
• Addressing the identified themes can inform improved clinical care and psychosocial support.
• Recognizing and validating children's experiences fosters resilience and enhances their overall well-being.