Perspectives on peritoneal dialysis at home: implications for the management of a chronic condition. A study protocol

AIM: This article is a report of a study protocol designed to explore the experience of home peritoneal dialysis from the perspectives of individuals, their families and healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis is an established life-saving treatment for end-stage renal disease. This daily treatment is undertaken at home, and nurses play a key role in supporting people with their dialysis and monitoring their condition. Although peritoneal dialysis is known to have an impact on peoples' quality of life, few studies have explored peoples' experiences of undertaking this treatment at home, nor investigated their families' and health professionals' perspectives.

DESIGN: An ethnographic study is proposed, which will use in-depth interviews and non-participant observations with people who are undertaking peritoneal dialysis at home in the United Kingdom. Family members and healthcare professionals closely involved with these individuals will also be interviewed. The local ethics and governance committees approved this study in November 2010.

DISCUSSION: It is anticipated that the study's findings will provide a detailed insight into the impact of peritoneal dialysis on individuals and their families. The findings will inform local strategies and/or interventions that could improve peoples' experiences of undertaking this treatment. Furthermore, the appropriateness of ethnographic methodology to examine individuals' and families' experiences of home treatments will be considered.