The Meaning of Life Story Card for People Undergoing Hemodialysis.

PURPOSE: Patients undergoing hemodialysis often experience various forms of psychological distress. The Life Story Card (LSC) intervention is designed to provide psychological support by encouraging patients to share their personal narratives, which are then compiled into concise cards. This study aimed to explore the meaning of the LSC intervention for patients undergoing hemodialysis.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Twenty-one patients undergoing hemodialysis at a hospital were recruited. Data were collected through distribution of LSCs that summarized participants' narratives and through interviews exploring their impressions of the intervention. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged regarding the meaning of the LSC: "transforming narratives into tangible memories", "satisfaction in communicating my thoughts", and "gained courage to live"..

CONCLUSION

Although LSC interventions have primarily been used with patients with dementia, the results of this study suggest that they may also serve as a practical communication tool for hemodialysis patients facing various challenges. Furthermore, simplified LSCs, such as single cards that can be created quickly without preparing an entire booklet, were well-received by participants.