Lived Experiences of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Free-Standing Dialysis Centers in Metro Manila

Chronic kidney disease requiring maintenance hemodialysis adversely impacts patients' physical, emotional, psychological, social, and economic health. Research Design: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was utilized to capture the experiences of patients undergoing hemodialysis at selected free-standing dialysis centers in Metro Manila. Methods: Subjects and data collection. Nine patients underwent in-depth semi-structured interviews, and data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological method. Findings: Three main themes emerged: The Reality of Kidney Failure, The Challenges of Hemodialysis, and Resilience Through Support. These results highlight the need for more universal, patient-centered strategies and interventions to improve patients' well-being and continuity of care.