Behind the Needle: Healthcare Professionals' Perspectives on HD Needling

Launched by EAST AND NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE NHS TRUST · Feb 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Behind the Needle," is exploring the experiences and perspectives of healthcare professionals who perform needling procedures in haemodialysis units. Haemodialysis is a vital treatment for patients with severe kidney disease, but the needling process can be painful and stressful for both patients and the healthcare staff involved. The study aims to understand the challenges nurses and healthcare assistants face during these procedures and identify ways to improve their training and support, ultimately enhancing the experience for patients undergoing dialysis.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be registered nurses or healthcare assistants working in haemodialysis units at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust. They should be actively involved in needling procedures and willing to share their experiences in interviews. Participants will be asked about their technical skills, the emotional challenges they face, and how they communicate with patients. The study is set to last for 10 months and will gather insights that could lead to better training programs and improved patient care in dialysis units.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Participants must be registered nurses or Band 3 healthcare assistants who perform needling procedures in a haemodialysis unit.
• • Participants must be employed at the renal dialysis units of East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust (ENHT), including both the main unit and its satellite units.
• • Participants must be willing to participate in the study and share their experiences.
• • Participants must be able to speak English fluently to ensure they can communicate effectively, providing rich and comprehensive information.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • •Registered nurses or healthcare assistants who do not perform needling procedures in a haemodialysis unit will not be eligible to participate.