JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In many developed countries, 5-10 children per million of the age-related population start kidney replacement therapy (including peritoneal dialysis [PD], hemodialysis [HD], and kidney transplantation [KT]) for end-stage kidney disease. After PD is introduced, or after KT, self-care at home typically becomes the main focus. Providing support for each developmental stage and transition period in the treatment process from dialysis to KT is an urgent issue.

Objective:

This review aimed to synthesize the lived experiences of children undergoing kidney replacement therapy and their families.

Methods:

A search strategy will follow Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and will be conducted in three steps: an initial limited search, a comprehensive database search, and a reference search of the included articles. MEDLINE(EBSCO), CINAHL Plus, and PsycINFO will be searched with no restriction on language or publication dates. The study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis will be performed according to Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for systematic reviews of qualitative research. Final syntheses will be assessed using the ConQual approach.

Results:

The review will include studies focusing on the experiences of children with KRT and their families. These experiences include physical, mental, and social issues, hygiene care, diet, fluid intake, medication, strict infection prevention, delays in growth and development, restrictions on social life, and a lack of social resources. This is an important issue because after starting dialysis, or after KT, many children are treated at home and experience these issues in their local communities and homes.

Conclusions:

This review describes protocol on the experiences of children undergoing kidney replacement therapy and their families. We will use identified themes to develop a self-care program aimed at solving the life tasks of children and their families.