[Decision-making style among hemodialysis patients]

The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify the decision-making style 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. The interviews were recorded on the tape and transcribed. Decision-making episodes were picked and interpreted by searchers. Data was analyzed based on the Inductive Theory Approach.

Subject were 21 patients from 4 hospitals. The mean age was 51.1 and the mean duration after they started the hemodialysis was 9.1 years. The 16 decision-making styles were identified: accept, unvacillate, resignation, compromise, perseverance, challenge, self-activation, groupie, crisis-avoidance, withdrawal, prudent, reserve, escape, refusal, dogmatic, and entrust. These 16 decision-making styles were characterized by the reality oriented perception, the constructive regimes, the higher quality of social support. On the other hand, the passive decision-making styles were characterized by the distorted perception, the passive regimes, and the poor social support.

The reality orientation, energy, openness, values system were discussed as key factors which determined the decision-making style among hemodialysis patients. The nursing approach supporting the patients to make their decision were discussed.