Ms Kayla Szymanski1, MRS SARAH RUSSO
1HNELHD John Hunter Hospital, NEW LAMBTON HEIGHTS , Australia
Biography:
Kayla Szymanski is a renal nurse with 18 years of experience in Nephrology. Kayla has worked in community haemodialysis centres for 10 years and in Kidney Supportive Care for 10 years at John Hunter Hospital.
Abstract:
Background
There is increasing evidence that kidney replacement therapy may not be of benefit for older patients with comorbidities, and conservative management is a well-recognized treatment pathway for those with Chronic Kidney Disease G5. Despite this, there is a paucity of literature on the lived experience of those who choose this option.
Aim
This paper aims to explore the experience of life without kidney replacement therapy for those living in regional Australia with Chronic Kidney Disease G5.
Methods
A qualitative study design using interpretative phenomenological analysis was undertaken. Seven participants with chronic kidney disease G5 were convenience sampled from nephrology and kidney supportive care clinics in New South Wales. Participants were interviewed about their experiences until data saturation was reached.
Results
Participants described how they navigate everyday life with CKD G5, their rationale for choosing conservative management, and their outlook on life. Limitations of the study were that participants were primarily female and older, and the sample size was small. Analysis may not be reflective of broader kidney disease populations in Australia.
Conclusion
This paper explores the lived experience of life with CKD G5 on a conservative management pathway and provides valuable insight into the challenges and benefits of this pathway. Findings suggest that patients opting for conservative management are content with their treatment decision and can continue to live well for years without the interruption and burden of kidney replacement therapy.