Reconsidering patients with chronic kidney psychological needs: optimizing hemodialysis room design

Abstract

Chronic kidney failure (CKF) and its treatment often manifest in anxiety and fear in patients. The present study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of how hospital interior design, hemodialysis rooms, in particular, can exacerbate or alleviate anxiety and fear in patients with CKF. Specifically, it reviews relevant literature to unveil to what extent a home-like environment in CKF healthcare centers might minimize anxiety and fear compared to an institutional design. Findings revealed patients with CKF delineate into three groups based on their psychological response to their disease and their ability to adapt to the new situation. Based on these classifications, the researcher proposed three models for the dialysis room to reduce anxiety and fear in each category. Crucially, while a homey environment in healthcare centers helps to mitigate anxiety and fear in a subset of patients with CKF, other patients may feel more anxious and fearful in such an environment.