title: Vascular Access Transition: Experiences of Patients on Hemodialysis.
abstract: An interpretive descriptive design was used to explore the experiences of patients on hemodialysis who had utilized and transitioned from a central venous catheter (CVC) to an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Eleven patients participated in semi-structured interviews that were analyzed using constant comparison. Within the larger context of living with end stage renal disease, participants described their vascular access experiences according to three main themes: impact, coping, and influencing factors. Accesses had physical, psychosocial, and lifestyle-related impacts that participants coped with primarily by exercising control and gradually accepting, and were influenced by education, trust in healthcare providers, and family. Findings revealed a cumulative burden for many participants with AVF and the need to improve the patient experience of vascular accesses especially for those living in rural communities.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Romyn
authors.forename: Kathy L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Rush
authors.forename: Rachelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hole
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D062666:Vascular Access Devices