What is it about?
This article deals with the psychosocial impact of serious medical illness. It details how patients, caregivers, and clinicians may be affected, displaying different “chaotic” behaviors, especially at the time of dialysis start. The author offers some suggestions on how clinicians can recognize and intervene effectively in these vulnerable situations.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
In current dialysis care delivery, the focus is mostly on dealing with the physical aspects of illness. However, the emotional and psychological well-being of the patient is equally important. A better understanding of the emotional turmoil affecting patients and families will help the clinician to connect with them in a helpful and positive manner.
Perspectives
Even at the best of times the behavior and thoughts of a patient with a serious medical illness never reach what we would consider a normal state. Intercurrent illness, family dynamics or other inapparent factors may lead to disturbed behavior at any time. A better understanding of this phenomenon would allow clinicians to provide the compassionate care which would enhance the patients’ self-management, adherence, and resiliency.
Gavril Hercz
Humber River Regional Hospital
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Trauma of Dialysis Initiation, Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, August 2017, American Society of Nephrology,
DOI: 10.1681/asn.2017020212.
You can read the full text:
Resources
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
