The experience of thirst management among patients undergoing hemodialysis: A qualitative study

AIM: This study aims to explore the fundamental structure and essence of the thirst management experiences among patients undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS: Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 adult patients undergoing hemodialysis. Colaizzi's phenomenological data analysis method was employed to analyze the data. RESULTS: Seventeen themes were derived and organized into five theme clusters: (1) thirst as a physical experience; (2) thirst as a psychological experience; (3) inner conflict and addictive aspects of thirst management; (4) unmet needs in healthcare provider-led thirst management care; and (5) patients' self-directed development of personalized thirst self-management strategies. The fundamental structure and essence of thirst management experiences were captured as "An ongoing dialogue with thirst: navigating the body, mind, and everyday life in the pursuit of quenching thirst." CONCLUSIONS: Thirst is a deeply embodied and psychologically distressing phenomenon among patients undergoing hemodialysis. A holistic and individualized approach is required to support practical thirst management. Nurses should facilitate the development of patient-centered and process-oriented interventions grounded in patients' lived experiences.