The needs of patients in the dialysis program and the role of the nurse in this issue

This bachelor's thesis focuses on the needs of patients in a dialysis program and the role of the nurse in this issue. Two objectives were established for this bachelor's thesis: To map the needs of patients in a dialysis program, and to determine the role of the nurse in patients undergoing dialysis. The work is divided into a theoretical and empirical part. In the theoretical part, the anatomy of the kidneys is briefly described, as well as the reasons for kidney failure. Subsequently, various elimination methods are described and explained, along with nutritional and exercise measures. The transplantation procedure is also briefly described. Attention is paid to the needs of patients, nursing care, and education. The empirical part was processed using qualitative research through semi-structured interviews focused on patients undergoing dialysis and nurses working in the dialysis center. The research sample consisted of 13 patients and 9 nurses. To achieve the set objectives, five research questions were created: What are the bio-psycho-social-spiritual needs of patients in a dialysis program? How does dialysis treatment affect patients' lives? What is the level of patient education before starting dialysis treatment? What is the role of the nurse in satisfying the needs of patients in a dialysis program? What is the role of the nurse in providing information to patients in a dialysis program? Our research has shown that dialysis generally has a negative impact on the quality of life of most of our respondents. Respondents are most negatively affected by thirst, the time demands of dialysis, poor sleep quality, changes in social needs, and overall fatigue after dialysis. Additionally, our research has shown that nurses in the dialysis center primarily fill the role of provider of nursing care, educator, and advisor who also provides emotional support. The results of the research serve as informational material for patients in the predialysis program and as potential recommendations for nurses working in dialysis centers