The Experience and Self-Management Of Fatigue in Patients on Hemodialysis

Horigan, A.E., Schneider, S.M., Docherty, S., & Barroso, J. (2013). The experience and self-management of fatigue in patients on hemodialysis. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 40(2), 113-122. Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom for adult patients with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis, and has been associated with decreased survival and quality of life. Patients on hemodialysis must find ways to manage their fatigue and mitigate its effects on their lives. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive work was to describe the experience and self-management of fatigue in patients on incenter hemodialysis. Several themes were identified, which included the nature of fatigue, management of fatigue, consequences of fatigue, and factors associated with fatigue. This information will be valuable to nephrology nurses as they continue to care for and educate patients on hemodialysis.