Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42599906›Full record

ArticlePloS one2026

Understanding perceived quality of nursing care among adults receiving haemodialysis in Northern Ghana: A qualitative inquiry.

Alhassan Hassan, Menford Owusu Ampomah, Cecilia Eliason, Luke Laari, Paul Kolbugri, Bridget Amoako, Joy Georgette La Bulley, Dorcas Yvonne Berko, Euphemia Tumpi

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Alhassan HassanDepartment of General Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Kpembe, Ghana.
Menford Owusu AmpomahDepartment of Adult Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8294-3763
Cecilia EliasonDepartment of Adult Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7090-9736
Luke LaariDepartment of Public Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
Paul KolbugriNursing and Midwifery Training College, Gushegu, Ghana.
Bridget AmoakoDepartment of Adult Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
Joy Georgette La BulleyDepartment of Adult Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
Dorcas Yvonne BerkoDepartment of Maternal and Child Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Euphemia TumpiDepartment of Adult Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionPatients with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) who undergo haemodialysis (HD) frequently encounter significant physical and psychosocial challenges. The quality of nursing care plays a crucial role in determining patient outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of how this patient population in resource-constrained settings in Northern Ghana perceive the quality of nursing care during treatment. Also, the delivery of patient-centered care for patients undergoing HD is challenged by systemic issues such as limited dialysis machines, frequent breakdown of equipment, poor water supply and staff shortages.

aimThis study explored the perceptions of quality nursing care among adults on HD treatment in Northern Ghana.

methodsThis exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted at Tamale Teaching Hospital, the only public referral dialysis center in Northern Ghana. Fifteen (15) patients who had been receiving HD for at least six (6) months were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflective thematic analysis.

resultsTwo main themes were identified: respect for patient preferences and physical comfort, each with three sub-themes. Patients highlighted the importance of involvement in decision-making, maintaining dignity, respect for autonomy, and culturally sensitive care as essential components of quality nursing care. Perceptions of physical comfort were shaped by effective pain management, timely assistance with activities of daily living, and a clean hospital environment.

conclusionEnhancing patient-centered care for individuals undergoing HD requires practical and context-appropriate interventions that address both interpersonal and system-level factors. Key strategies to improve quality nursing care include nurse-led patient education using simple local language, routine pain assessment, timely management during dialysis, preservation of patient privacy, compassionate communication, and culturally responsive care. Also, addressing workflow inefficiencies and strengthening dialysis centers with resources may further improve patients' treatment experiences, satisfaction, and overall quality of care in resource-constrained settings. Regular monitoring of discomfort, timely response to pains and cramps, ensuring privacy during procedures, and improving workflow to reduce waiting time were also emphasised. Continued staff education in compassionate communication (soft skills) and culturally sensitive care, and improved dialysis resources were recommended to address both interpersonal and structural barriers to quality care.

Indexed as

Kidney Failure, ChronicNursing CareQuality of Health CareRenal DialysisAdultAgedFemaleGhanaHumansMaleMiddle AgedPatient SatisfactionQualitative Research

Identifiers

PMID42599906
PMCPMC13475894

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.