PERCEPÇÃO DOS PACIENTES COM DOENÇA RENAL CRÔNICA SOBRE OS IMPACTOS DO TRATAMENTO NA ATIVIDADE PROFISSIONAL.

Introduction: The lives of people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are changed in several ways, among them, work stands out as one of those that suffers profound consequences and compromises its continuity. Although there are studies on the limitations imposed by the treatment of CKD in professional activities, the perception of patients in relation to these limitations is still little explored in the literature. Objective: To know the perceptions of chronic kidney patients, on hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients, about the limitations imposed by the treatment in their professional activities. Methods: Qualitative study, carried out with 21 patients with CKD (13 on hemodialysis and 8 with kidney transplant). Data collection took place through interviews, based on a semi-structured script, and submitted to content analysis, in the thematic modality. Results: Three analysis themes were identified: 1. Diagnosis and access to treatment; 2. Limitations in daily activities and work and 3. Work-related changes and family support. Among hemodialysis patients, the need for frequent sessions was cited as a barrier to resuming work activities. Even among transplant patients, physical limitations and post-surgical care affected productivity and the ability to return to work as usual. Conclusions. The changes experienced by respondents after starting CKD treatment affected their ability to return to work, and family support was considered essential to facilitate this process. Qualitative research proved to be an important tool in understanding how changes in the life of chronic renal patients after starting treatment affect their ability to return to work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]