Perspectives of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Readiness for Advance Care Planning at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Boakye, Abigail S. and Dzansi, Gladys and Ofosu-Poku, Rasheed and Ansah, Michael O. and Owusu, Alfred K. and Anyane, Gladys and Addai, Juliana and Dzaka, Alberta D. and Salifu, Yakubu (2024) Perspectives of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Readiness for Advance Care Planning at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 97 (2). pp. 115-124. ISSN 1551-4056

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Abstract

This study examined the impact of advance care planning (ACP) on the quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. It specifically investigated patients’ perspectives on their readiness for ACP. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive design, one-on-one interviews were conducted with CKD patients at the renal clinic, employing a semi-structured interview guide for thematic analysis of audio data. The findings revealed a gap in understanding among CKD patients, with participants acknowledging their vulnerability to renal failure, often linked to a medical history of diabetes and hypertension. Despite recognizing potential outcomes such as dialysis dependency or death, some patients retained hope for a cure, relying on faith. The initial kidney failure diagnosis induced shock and distress, leading many patients to prefer the comfort and familiarity of home-based care, including dialysis. Meanwhile, a minority favored hospital care to protect their children from psychological trauma. Most patients deemed legal preparations unnecessary, citing limited assets or a lack of concern for posthumous estate execution. These insights emphasize the necessity for targeted education and support in ACP to enhance patient outcomes in chronic kidney disease care and end-of-life planning.