Pengalaman Hidup Pasien Gagal Ginjal Kronis yang Menjalani Hemodialisis di Unit Hemodialisa RSUD Bendan Pekalongan

Background: Patients with chronic kidney failure must undergo hemodialysis/dialysis therapy. Chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis experience several changes in their lives due to the patient's illness. Objective: This study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the life experiences of chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: This research uses a qualitative research method with a phenomenological approach. The instruments for this research were the researcher himself, voice recorder, field notes, stationery, interview guide, and informed consent form. The informants used in this research were 7 informants. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. Results: Based on the results obtained in this study, 4 themes were found, namely (1) physiological, psychological, social, spiritual and economic changes, (2) Coping techniques in overcoming problems or changes due to chronic kidney failure, (3) Experiences in undergoing the hemodialysis process , (4) The hardest experience while suffering from chronic kidney failure. Conclusion: All informants experienced physiological, psychological and spiritual changes, while only a few informants experienced social and economic changes. Coping techniques for dealing with these changes are good except for economic changes where there is no solution for these changes. Experiences in undergoing the hemodialysis process include some being positive and some being negative. Meanwhile, the hardest experiences while suffering from chronic kidney failure vary according to what happens in the informant's life.