What influences patients’ experiences of cannulation for haemodialysis performed by nursing staff? A qualitative interview study

Background: Haemodialysis is a life-sustaining procedure for people with kidney failure, requiring cannulation with two needles before each treatment. Individuals undergo haemodialysis at least three times a week, leading to at least 312 cannulations each year. Some people find cannulation distressing and associated with noxious symptoms. Aim: This study aimed to explore what influences patients’ experiences of cannulation for haemodialysis as undertaken by nursing staff, generating understanding about improvements in procedure. Methods: Thirty participants ( n = 30) from two renal centres in the United Kingdom completed semi-structured interviews. Intensive interviewing, constant comparison analysis and theoretical sampling from grounded theory were employed to meet the study aims. Results: Three categories describe the components that influence patients’ experiences of cannulation for haemodialysis: ‘Trying to make cannulation more comfortable’; ‘Preserving humanity and individuality’; and ‘The necessity of cannulation for haemodialysis forces coping’. Conclusion: Coping with cannulation for haemodialysis is dynamic with various facilitative components. Patients require strategies to make cannulation more comfortable, trust and empathy, and understanding and support to navigate and accept the challenges of cannulation.