The lived experience of being a caregiver for a family member dependent upon hemodialysis

An identified gap in the literature exists regarding studies using an inductive approach that allow caregivers to describe the lived experience of caring for family members dependent upon hemodialysis for managing end stage kidney disease. This study used a purposive sample of six caregiver participants, male and female, with an average age of 36 using a descriptive, phenomenological approach designed to share experiences of providing care to a family member dependent on hemodialysis. The representative sample was recruited from a mid-sized hospital in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The investigator conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with participants. Using the Giorgi method of data analysis, six major themes and 12 sub-themes were identified. Perceptions of the caregiver participants were that caregiving is hard work and stressful; however, caregivers found the experience meaningful. Caregivers identified they need a support system and the stress of caregiving interferes with their own health. Uncertainty regarding the indeterminate time a family member will use hemodialysis added stress to caregivers. Study limitations included a sample with one male participant, which may limit understanding of the male caregiver perspective and included participants who only spoke English. Study results should interest caregivers and healthcare professionals working with caregivers of family members dependent on hemodialysis. Further research should include the effects of exercise, spirituality, and the cultural differences for caregivers providing care for family members dependent upon hemodialysis. A longitudinal study examining long-term effects of caregiving with this population is warranted.