Self-Management of Patients with Early Chronic Kidney Disease: A Concept Analysis

Background: Self-management is the management of care in patients with chronic diseases to prevent disease complications and slow the progression of CKD, especially in early CKD patients. Although self-management is critical, there is still a lack of clarity regarding the conceptualisation of self-management in early CKD patients. Concept analysis is needed to understand better the concept and meaning of self-management in early CKD patients. Objectives: The concept analysis aimed to clarify the concept of self-management in early CKD patients by identifying its antecedents, attributes, and consequences. Methods: The method used Walker and Avant’s concept approach through eight steps of analysis to explore the antecedents, attributes, and consequences of the concept of self-management analysis of early CKD patients. Results: Antecedents of self-management in early CKD patients include partnerships with healthcare professionals, problem-solving, self-care, and psychological management. Attributes of this concept include active participation in health care, the ability to manage and care for chronic diseases, and the development of health behaviour in CKD. Consequences of self-management in early CKD patients include caring ability, self-care, independence in carrying out care, and compliance in carrying out health care. Conclusion: This concept analysis can guide nurses in providing self-management interventions in early CKD patients. In addition, this concept can also be used as a guideline for developing self-management intervention programmes in kidney health nursing care.