Abstract
Chronic renal failure is a public health problem and hemodialysis is considered an invasive and exhausting long-term process. Patients usually report feelings of helplessness and dependence, and ludic activities might provide involvement, joy and pleasure.
Objectives
To propose ludic activities, to investigate patients’ opinions about these activities, and to understand patients’ experience regarding disease and treatment.
Method
This was a qualitative study conducted in a general hospital in the metropolitan area of Santos, Brazil, with groups of patients during hemodialysis sessions, where ludic activities, relaxation and visualization, in-depth interviews and application of a Likert scale were performed. The speeches were categorized by the method of content thematic analysis.
Results
We had four groups involving 13 participants, aged between 20 and 70 years, of both sexes.
Conclusion
The proposed activity is a positive factor for mood improvement and contributed to better cope with the situation of immobility and idleness, mobilizing objectively and subjectively, and in addition, allowing the expression of emotions in a constructive way, revealing patients’ unique needs and idiosyncrasies.
Health Psychology; Hemodialysis; Ludic Activities; Health Care