THE IMPACT OF COMPASSIONATE NURSING CARE ON THE LIFE QUALITY IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) present significant physical and emotional challenges for patients undergoing dialysis. Compassionate nursing care, emphasizing empathy, active listening, and patient engagement, has been recognized as a critical factor influencing patients’ quality of life (QoL). However, the extent to which compassion in nursing directly enhances QoL in dialysis patients remains underexplored, especially in resource-constrained healthcare contexts.

Objective: To assess the impact of compassionate nursing care on the quality of life of patients receiving dialysis, with a focus on emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in multiple dialysis clinics within a large urban hospital network. A total of 100 adult patients on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis for at least six months were enrolled through purposive sampling. Data collection tools included the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF), the Compassionate Care Assessment Tool (CBI-24), and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS (descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis), while qualitative interviews underwent thematic analysis in NVivo. Ethical approval, informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation were ensured.

Results: The findings revealed mixed but significant patient perceptions of compassionate nursing care. While 49% of patients reported their nurses demonstrated empathy, and 52% felt respected and involved in decisions, 40–47% expressed dissatisfaction with attentiveness, motivational support, or emotional engagement. Compassionate behaviors such as kindness, encouragement, and support were associated with reduced anxiety, improved treatment adherence, and enhanced coping with physical symptoms. However, inconsistencies in care delivery left nearly half of the patients feeling undervalued, isolated, or unsupported.

Conclusion: Compassionate nursing care has a tangible impact on dialysis patients’ quality of life, positively influencing emotional well-being, treatment satisfaction, and coping mechanisms. Nevertheless, variability in the delivery of compassionate behaviors underscores the need for structured interventions, standardized guidelines, and nurse training programs to ensure consistent, empathy-driven care. Integrating compassion into routine practice may significantly enhance QoL for patients undergoing dialysis.