Improving the Uptake of Independent Dialysis using the Humanbecoming Theoretical Approach

Abstract

Soaring healthcare costs, increasing rates of chronic illness, and an aging population have left Canada struggling to meet the growing demands for quality health care. Hospitals battle to cope with altering patient demand, higher costs, provincially imposed global budgets, fast developing technology, rigid rules, new drugs, and social inequalities that lead to poor health. Canadian population health trends have played an important role in examining innovation opportunities that can dictate terms for the effective re-design of Canada's health system. Independent (home) dialysis is associated with cost savings and improved quality of life in comparison with hospital-based hemodialysis treatment. Despite this, independent dialysis has failed to increase at the same rate as hospital-based treatment for chronic kidney disease. One probable reason is the lack of healthcare providers to truly understand the patient experience of living with chronic kidney disease. Qualitative data have shown that patients living with chronic kidney disease desire independence and minimal impact to their quality of life. Parse's Humanbecoming theory has been widely accepted in nursing practice as a theoretical base in which to gain an understanding of the lived experience. The values and assumptions of the Humanbecoming theory are also congruent with patient-centered care practice and transferable to all areas of healthcare practice and disciplines.