[Components of decision-making among hemodialysis patients]

The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify the components of decision-making among the dialysis patients. Subjects were a Convenience sample of hemodialysis patients who agreed to participate this study. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews was recorded on the tape and transcribed. Decision-making episodes were picked and interpreted by researchers. Data was analysed based on the Grounded Theory Approach.

Subject were 21 patients from 4 hospitals. The mean age was 51.1 and the mean duration after the hemodialysis was 9.1 years. The number of episode of decision-making were 136. Six components of decision-making were extracted such as . The subject were making decision by examining and judging the situation and oneself, and then setting the goal. They were selecting situation and themselves. After all, the outcomes of decision-making were evaluating. Seven type of decision-making, erection type, reality-oriented type, elaborate type, dogmatic type, passive type, chance type, resistant type were extracted.

The factors which were related to the quality of decision-making were discussed such as the ability to examine the reality and control own wishes and needs, and the commitment for the decision-making. The nursing approach to facilitate the patients to make the decision were mentioned.