Discussion groups for chronic hemodialysis patients and their families

The family as well as the patient undergoes many psychological stresses in the adjustment to end stage renal disease and maintenance hemodialysis. Despite the apparent need for psychological support services for families, few are offered. Renal social workers have found it difficult to elicit interest in discussion groups for families dealing with problems associated with dialysis. This report presents two discussion groups that were recruited and conducted for dialysis patients and their families. The process and development of the two groups are described, and recommendations are given for conducting multiple-family groups as an adjunct to the biologic treatment of severe long-term illness.