The experiences of suffering of end-stage renal failure patients in Malaysia: a thematic analysis.
BACKGROUND
The population of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) receiving dialysis treatment is increasing worldwide. For most patients with ESRF, dialysis can extend their life. However, treatment can be demanding and time-consuming. Despite dialysis treatment, many patients continue to experience various sufferings.


METHODS
A qualitative study was conducted with semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of suffering of ESRF patients on maintenance dialysis in Malaysia. The results were thematically analyzed.


RESULTS
Nineteen ESRF patients were interviewed. The themes and subthemes were: (I) physical suffering-physical symptoms and functional limitations, (II) psychological suffering-the emotions and thoughts of suffering, (III) social suffering-healthcare-related suffering and burdening of others and (IV) spiritual suffering-the queries of suffering.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings may help healthcare professionals to fill in the gaps in the delivery of best renal palliative care.
['Beng|Tan Seng|TS|', 'Yun|Loh Ai|LA|', 'Yi|Liew Xin|LX|', 'Yan|Loo Hui|LH|', 'Peng|Ng Kok|NK|', 'Kun|Lim Soo|LS|', 'Zainuddin|Sheriza Izwa|SI|', 'Chin|Loh Ee|LE|', 'Loong|Lam Chee|LC|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D005260:Female D006801:Humans D007398:Interpersonal Relations D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic D008296:Malaysia D008875:Middle Aged D010146:Pain D010166:Palliative Care D006435:Renal Dialysis D029181:Spirituality D013315:Stress, Psychological D055815:Young Adult
Suffering renal failure Malaysia dialysis palliative care