ScholarWorks@중앙대학교

초록

Purpose: In this study, the experiences of the management of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in patients living on Jeju Islandwho were undergoing hemodialysis, were explored. Methods: A descriptive qualitative design was used. Data werecollected through in-depth interviews with 11 patients undergoing hemodialysis and analyzed using content analysis. Results: Participants recognized the AVF as a lifeline and emphasized the importance of daily self-management. Despitethis awareness, many reported difficulties in maintaining consistent self-management and expressed uncertainty abouttheir efforts. The participants also described physical limitations, anxiety about occlusion, and social withdrawal due tovisibility of the AVF. The absence of ongoing education and limited access to practical information has further hinderedself-management. Additionally, patients had challenges in accessing local treatment and they reported on the burdenof traveling to hospitals outside the island. Five categories of experiences were identified: (1) Recognizing the AVF asa lifeline and engaging in self-management, (2) Daily restrictions and emotional burden due to the AVF, (3) Difficultiesand uncertainty in AVF self-management, (4) Lack of information on AVF self-management, and (5) Medical limitationsin island regions. Conclusion: These findings highlight the requirement for continuous, patient-centered support, toimprove AVF self-management. Nursing interventions should address emotional support, access to information, andavailability of local healthcare, particularly for patients living on islands.

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