OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe how patients on hemodialysis cope with their disease regarding changes in attitudes, behaviors, and practices of activities of daily life. METHODS: This qualitative study, guided by grounded theory, was conducted among patients attending the association of renal transplant of Rio de Janeiro. The sample comprised 10 patients. RESULTS: The analysis suggested that the patients went through denial, negative thoughts, and social adjustment to achieve adaptation by constructing a new life style. CONCLUSION: Nursing interventions must go beyond the physical and biological patients' needs to include social and psychological approaches that might be effective in improving the quality of life of patients on hemodialysis.
Hemodialysis; Adaptation, psychological; Patient-centre care; Nursing care
