Investigating the needs of hemodialysis patients to make effective use of time during dialysis: A qualitative study

Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine, in a qualitative and phenomenological design, the needs of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment to make their time during HD sessions more effective. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted between March and August 2025 at the Hemodialysis Unit of Şanlıurfa Training and Research Hospital with 28 patients selected through criterion sampling. Data were collected using a personal information form and a semi-structured interview form. Demographic and disease-related data were analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage), while qualitative data were analyzed using MAXQDA Analytics Pro software. Results: 89.29% of participants reported experiencing boredom during the hemodialysis process. Four main themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Effects of Being Connected to the Machine, (2) Experiences During the Hemodialysis Process, (3) Outcomes of Enjoyable Hemodialysis Sessions, and (4) Suggestions for Making Hemodialysis Time More Productive. The most frequent codes identified were "boredom (n=54)," "psychological wear (n=31)," and "feeling of obligation (n=18)." Conclusion: The findings indicate that dependence on the hemodialysis machine is not only a physical challenge but also a multidimensional experience with emotional and behavioral impacts. Patients spend a significant portion of their time in the hemodialysis unit. When this time is spent more productively and enjoyably, patients report feeling psychologically refreshed, happy, and peaceful, with positive effects extending even beyond the unit. Hemodialysis dependence is both a medical and psychosocial experience; strengthening patient support systems, considering their suggestions, and enhancing positive emotions are emphasized as ways to help patients spend their time with more favorable feelings. Keywords: Hemodialysis, Time, Needs, Qualitative, Nurse