Sammanfattning
The article focuses on chronic fatigue among dialysis patients. A questionnaire was distributed to 489 dialysis patients during the autumn of 2003. The response rate was 72. 84.4 responded that they were tired, always or on occasion. 63 per cent experienced fatigue in the form of reduced physical stamina and 20 per cent experienced mental fatigue problems. Patients' reduced physical stamina meant that they needed a lot of rest and could simply not manage many ordinary everyday tasks. Families supported the patients by urging them to rest. The nursing staff was best able to provide support by ensuring that the patients had permanent contact nurses.
The survey shows that fatigue is a serious problem among dialysis patients. The situation in which the patients find themselves is significant in relation to the way fatigue is managed. The patients have to exert themselves more in order to manage various activities than they used to. This can lead to a perception of loss and reduced quality of life.
Nursing staff ought simply accept that chronic fatigue is an after-effect of the dialysis patients' disorder and its treatment. They should instead help the patients deal with their fatigue.