| Theme |
Sense of loss of dialysis patients -- support for understanding and overcoming |
| Title |
Various forms of loss experienced by dialysis patients |
| Author |
Junko Tsutsui |
Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| Author |
Katsuji Nishimura |
Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| [ Summary ] |
The sense of loss experienced by patients undergoing dialysis from the time of introduction of therapy through the continuation period, progresses through stages such as denial and isolation. Studies using psychological scales have revealed that these patients often experience a high sense of loss during the early stages of introduction of dialysis. Families of patients undergoing hemodialysis also experience a sense of loss, which differs from that experienced by patients. Patients are observed to start building relationships with dialysis facility staff members and seek support from them, although the patient's family might not show much interaction with staff members. Receiving no support from staff members could greatly influence a patient's ability to deal with stress. The first step toward supporting patients experiencing a sense of loss is for caregivers to realize the fact that it is difficult for patients to accept reality immediately after introduction of dialysis. |