The Dialysis Patient and Attitudes towards Work

Abstract

Home dialysis is considered as work and as the home patient's main job. Reasons for the belief of many staff members that employment is the only acceptable form of work and some of the effects this has on patient attitudes and planning are discussed. The physical and emotional stresses under which dialysis patients have to live are described as being similar to those of soldiers in combat. Helping patients to develop and utilize financial and other resources is viewed as an aid in reducing the incidence of “combat fatigue” and as fostering positive patient-staff relationships. The advantages of staff members' confining performance expectations as much as possible to the treatment area and of helping patients to maintain direction and control of their personal affairs, including decisions concerning employment, are stressed.