Peritoneal dialysis in children: an acceptable solution for patients but a challenge for their families

摘要

The aim of this investigation was to gain a retrospective impression of the mood of children undergoing peritoneal dialysis and the mood of their families during the course of their children's disease. The study was carried out at the department of pediatric nephrology (Medical University of Vienna) using structured questionnaires. Interestingly, both the families undergoing treatment and families who had completed treatment considered themselves equally, or even more, happy, harmonic and open than families with healthy children. Retrospectively, intimate relationships experienced by the majority of families were exceptionally close and positive. These findings do not support the subjective evaluation of staff and are contrary to the objective measurability of financial and emotional investment, as well as investment of time, by affected families.