The Effect of Art Therapy Applied During Hemodialysis on Dialysis Symptoms and Spiritual Well-Being: A Randomised Controlled Study

Hemodialysis patients are confronted with a wide range of symptoms that adversely affect their daily functioning. Nurses hold a pivotal role in assessing these symptoms and their consequences, and in implementing evidence-based interventions aimed at enhancing patient well-being. This study designed to examine the effect of art therapy administered during hemodialysis on dialysis-related symptoms and spiritual well-being. This study aims to reduce hemodialysis symptoms and enhance spiritual well-being in patients undergoing hemodialysis by diverting their attention through non-invasive, non-pharmacological interventions such as art therapy. Art therapy is a type of therapy designed to connect patients to life, facilitate their integration into society, and increase their self-respect and self-confidence by developing their skills. Art therapy practices increase a person's mental well-being by reducing anxiety and stress. Studies using art therapy have found that both patients and their caregivers experience an increase in quality of life. However, there are no studies in the literature examining the symptoms experienced by patients during hemodialysis and their effect on spiritual well-being. The research will be conducted on patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment, and patients in the experimental group will receive at least 30 minutes of art therapy during each dialysis session. Data obtained before the start of the study, after 4 weeks of application, and 4 weeks after the end of the application will be compared with the control group data. In addition to its scientific contribution, it is thought that effective symptom management may contribute to the well-being of patients.