Patient's emotional needs undergoing hemodialysis treatment/giving voice to their perspective, a qualitative study

Patients with kidney failure on hemodialysis face significant physical, emotional, and social challenges that affect their quality of life. Providing humane care, listening to their concerns, and addressing their emotional needs means understanding and alleviating their suffering as a key element of comprehensive, patient-centered care.

To identify the emotional needs of people receiving hemodialysis treatment, and to propose future lines of research, practical actions aimed at improving the quality of care based on Jean Watson's Theory of Humanized Care.

Qualitative descriptive research, employing semi-structured interviews with hemodialysis patients (n = 9) from September 2021 to June 30, 2022. Data were analyzed using thematic coding supported by ATLAS.ti 22 software.

Four main categories were identified: (1) Promoting and accepting the expression of their feelings. (2) Recognizing the patient's vulnerability. (3) Perceive humanized nursing care and (4) Enhancing the relationship of assistance and trust between nurses and patients.

Kidney patients need to feel heard when expressing their emotions and feelings, being recognized as vulnerable and at risk of physical or emotional harm. They require nursing care based on respect for their dignity, compassion and empathy, a supportive and trusting connection based on attentive listening, and a close and supportive bond throughout the care process. These findings reinforce the relevance of Watson's theory in guiding ethical, emotional, and holistic approaches in nursing practice. Therefore, our attention should not focus solely on technical aspects but also on the patient's emotional needs.