Dry weight from the haemodialysis patient perspective

Background: The concept of dry weight is central to fluid control in patients on haemodialysis (HD). Few studies have explored the concept from the patient perspective. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore how patients on HD perceive the concept of dry weight and how they act in relation to it. Methods: A purposive sample of 10 HD patients was interviewed once during a dialysis session in May-June 2009. The narratives were analysed using manifest qualitative content analysis. Findings: The findings indicated that the concept was regarded as either an aid to securing treatment-related health, as indicating the fluid surplus volume or as a reminder of the daily fluid allotment. Some informants, however, did not report any specific perception. Plans for dealing with the perceptions were expressed in terms of using self-care strategies to control fluid balance, transferring responsibility to the HD team, and managing the physical consequences or social and psychological concerns. Conclusion: Four ways in which HD patients perceived the dry weight concept were demonstrated. It is important that HD patients understand the significance of dry weight, both for their own wellbeing and for treatment adequacy. Prevalent misunderstandings about the dry weight concept have to be addressed by the dialysis team in order to prevent further suffering. By acknowledging the patient's perspective of the dry weight concept, the dialysis team could help the patient to successfully develop self-care strategies for dealing with the consequences of chronic renal failure.