Empowered hemodialysis patient surrounded by symbols of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Beyond Survival: Prioritizing Needs and Boosting Quality of Life in Hemodialysis

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover how understanding patient needs through Maslow's hierarchy can dramatically improve the well-being and treatment outcomes for those undergoing hemodialysis."

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) presents a growing global challenge, significantly impacting individuals' lives. In Saudi Arabia, the incidence of treated ESRD by dialysis is 107 per million, with a prevalence of 405 per million. As these numbers rise, it's crucial to address the comprehensive needs of hemodialysis patients to enhance their quality of life.

Patients undergoing hemodialysis often face numerous challenges that affect their overall well-being. Beyond the physical aspects of treatment, factors such as emotional and social support play vital roles in ensuring a higher quality of life. Recognizing these needs is essential for healthcare providers to deliver patient-centered care.

This article delves into a study that examines the needs of hemodialysis patients through the lens of Maslow's hierarchy, linking these needs to their quality of life. By understanding this connection, we can identify strategies to improve treatment adherence, empower patients, and ultimately enhance their overall well-being.

Understanding Patient Needs: Maslow's Hierarchy and Hemodialysis

Empowered hemodialysis patient surrounded by symbols of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs offers a structured framework for understanding human motivation, categorizing needs into five levels: physiological, safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization. In the context of hemodialysis, this hierarchy helps prioritize patient care by addressing the most fundamental needs first.

A recent study investigated how these needs correlate with the quality of life in hemodialysis patients in Saudi Arabia. The study used a cross-sectional design, including patients from King Khalid University Hospital and Security Forces Hospital. Data were collected through structured interviews, needs assessment sheets based on Maslow's hierarchy, and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life scale short form (KDQoL-SF).

Physiological Needs: Addressing basic survival requirements like fluid balance, nutrition, and managing physical discomfort.
Safety Needs: Ensuring a secure treatment environment, providing clear information, and fostering trust in the healthcare team.
Belongingness Needs: Promoting social interaction, support groups, and family involvement to combat feelings of isolation.
Esteem Needs: Recognizing patient achievements, encouraging self-care, and providing positive feedback to boost confidence.
Self-Actualization Needs: Supporting personal growth, goal setting, and helping patients find meaning and purpose despite their condition.

The study revealed significant correlations between quality of life and various factors. Lower quality of life scores were associated with older age and longer dialysis duration, while higher education levels correlated with better quality of life. Conversely, higher needs scores were linked to older age and lower education levels. The strongest correlation was found between overall quality of life and age.

Enhancing Patient-Centered Care in Hemodialysis

This research underscores the importance of measuring quality of life to better understand and address the needs of hemodialysis patients. By prioritizing interventions that cater to the physiological, safety, social, and emotional needs of individuals undergoing treatment, healthcare providers can significantly enhance their well-being and promote better adherence to therapy.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4172/2165-7386.1000106, Alternate LINK

Title: Hemodialysis Patients Needs Priorities According To Maslows’ Hierarchy And Quality Of Life

Subject: Psychiatry and Mental health

Journal: Journal of Palliative Care & Medicine

Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group

Authors: Magda Bayoumi

Published: 2013-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

How can understanding Maslow's hierarchy improve the lives of those undergoing hemodialysis?

Maslow's hierarchy of needs provides a structured approach to understanding the various needs of hemodialysis patients. It categorizes these needs into five levels: physiological, safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization. By addressing these needs in a prioritized manner, starting with the most fundamental, healthcare providers can significantly improve patient well-being. For example, meeting physiological needs like fluid balance and managing physical discomfort is crucial, followed by ensuring safety and building a supportive environment. Addressing these needs leads to better treatment adherence, enhanced quality of life, and empowers patients to live more fulfilling lives despite their condition.

What are the key findings of the study regarding quality of life in hemodialysis patients?

The study revealed that the quality of life for hemodialysis patients is significantly influenced by several factors. Lower quality of life scores were associated with older age and longer dialysis duration, indicating that these patients may face more challenges. Conversely, higher education levels correlated with better quality of life, suggesting that education may empower patients to better manage their condition. Notably, the strongest correlation was found between overall quality of life and age, highlighting the significant impact of age on patient well-being. The study underscores the importance of tailored interventions to address the specific challenges faced by different patient groups.

What are the specific implications of focusing on each level of Maslow's hierarchy for hemodialysis patients?

Focusing on the levels of Maslow's hierarchy has specific implications for hemodialysis patients. Addressing Physiological needs involves managing fluid balance and nutrition. For Safety, providing a secure treatment environment and clear information. Belongingness can be enhanced through support groups and family involvement. Esteem can be boosted by recognizing achievements and encouraging self-care. Finally, Self-actualization involves supporting personal growth and helping patients find purpose. Each level contributes to overall well-being. Prioritizing these aspects leads to better treatment outcomes and increased quality of life. Ignoring these aspects can lead to lower patient satisfaction and poorer health outcomes.

How does the incidence of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in Saudi Arabia affect the need for patient-centered care in hemodialysis?

The rising incidence of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in Saudi Arabia, with figures of 107 per million for treated ESRD by dialysis and a prevalence of 405 per million, emphasizes the urgency for patient-centered care in hemodialysis. As the number of individuals requiring dialysis increases, the demand for comprehensive care that addresses not only physical but also emotional and social needs becomes critical. This necessitates a shift towards prioritizing interventions aligned with Maslow's hierarchy. By acknowledging and addressing the diverse needs of a growing patient population, healthcare providers can significantly improve treatment outcomes, enhance patient well-being, and promote a higher quality of life for those undergoing hemodialysis.

What practical steps can healthcare providers take to enhance patient-centered care for hemodialysis patients?

Healthcare providers can take several practical steps to enhance patient-centered care. First, they can conduct thorough needs assessments based on Maslow's hierarchy, identifying specific challenges and unmet needs. Then, they can tailor treatment plans to address these needs, providing comprehensive support that goes beyond the physical aspects of care. Implementing support groups and encouraging family involvement can foster a sense of belonging. Offering educational resources and promoting self-care practices can empower patients. Measuring quality of life through tools like the Kidney Disease Quality of Life scale can help monitor progress and identify areas for improvement. By prioritizing these strategies, healthcare providers can significantly enhance the well-being and promote better adherence to therapy for hemodialysis patients.