We identified seven major themes that were
central to patient and caregiver perceptions of home
haemodialysis in regions without established services.
Three positive themes were: flexibility and freedom
(increased autonomy, minimised wasted time,
liberation from strict dialysis schedules and gaining
self-worth); comfort in familiar surroundings (family
presence and support, avoiding the need for dialysis in
hospital) and altruistic motivation to do home
haemodialysis as an exemplar for other patients and
families. Four negative themes were: disrupting sense
of normality; family burden (an onerous responsibility,
caregiver uncertainty and panic and visually
confronting); housing constraints; healthcare by
‘professionals’ not ‘amateurs’ (relinquishing security
and satisfaction with in-centre services) and isolation
from peer support.