ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore in depth the lived experience and quality of life outcomes in patients receiving automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) treatment. METHODS: The study adhered to the standards of the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. A total of 19 APD patients were recruited and assessed using in-depth semi-structured interviews on various aspects of life with respect to APD modality. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. RESULTS: Study findings generated five superordinate themes: (a) treatment-free daily routine, (b) sleep disturbances, (c) remote care, (d) limitations of peritoneal dialysis, and (e) the dimension of chronic disease. Further analysis of the material revealed the relationship of these themes with individual patient characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings suggest that APD characteristics contribute to the perceptions of quality of life in patients under dialysis considerably.