A qualitative study on shared decision-making of patients with chronic kidney disease

Aim: This study aims to explore the change process among chronic kidney disease patients in shared decision-making. Design: Qualitative research is the design applied. Method: Original transcripts from an earlier study involving a purposive sample of 31 patients with chronic kidney disease provided a source of information. The data collection was conducted from August 2017–January 2018. Data analysis applied the thematic analysis method. Results: Three themes were identified: from avoidance to being forced to accept, decision-making process of action and facilitating factors. After making the psychological adjustments necessary for undergoing dialysis treatment, participants experience the process of decision-making action. The improvement of knowledge and ability increases the patient's self-determination consciousness and strengthens confidence in decision-making. The nurse and the patient's family are both important facilitating factors, and they assist through the entire SDM process.