For our bodies to work effectively, our bloodstream needs to constantly be filtered of toxins and waste materials by our kidneys. In some ways they can be compared to a waste water treatment plant, cleaning and filtering the fluids (blood) as they pass through them.
If kidneys cease functioning properly, this vital function of “waste treatment” is hindered and a dangerous environment is created inside our bodies. The solution to failing kidneys is dialysis.
Dialysis works by redirecting blood that would have gone to the kidneys into a machine which “cleans” the blood and puts it back into the body.
Historically, this machine was operated by doctors and nurses in a supervised setting, which meant patients had to travel to hospitals and remain there for hours in order to have their blood “cleaned”. However, now, we have built machines that given appropriate training, can easily be operated by patients in the comfort of their own home. This is called “home haemodialysis” (HHD).
Economically, HHD offers better value for money while also probably being more effective than conventional in-centre haemodialysis. However not all patients prefer HHD.
In this research project, interviews will be conducted with patients on haemodyalsis (in the hospital and at home) and healthcare professionals. The purpose of the interviews is to identify the perceived barriers, and enablers to HHD. This information will help to identify patients that are suitable for HHD, and how these patients can be better supported, and encouraged to opt for HHD.
