Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus (CKD-aP) affects about 25% of Swiss hemodialysis patients, most with moderate to severe itching. It negatively impacts sleep, quality of life, and survival. This mixed-methods study will investigate the effect hand massage delivered by nurses on the itch severity, health-related quality of life and sleep compared to usual care in patients on hemodialysis. Fifty-four patients will be randomized to receive either hand massage or verbal attention over three months. Quantitative data (NRS, 5D Itch Scale, KDQOL-SFv1.2) will be collected at baseline, one, and three months. Qualitative interviews with 12 participants who received the hand massage intervention, will explore their experiences. The intervention is safe, non-invasive, and may offer valuable insights into CKD-aP management and pathogenesis.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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Itch severity
Timeframe: at baseline, 1 month, 3 months
Itch severity and itch related quality of life
Timeframe: at baseline, 1 month, 3 months
Health related quality of life (HRQoL)
Timeframe: at baseline, 1 month, 3 months
Sleep quality
Timeframe: at baseline, 1 month, 3 months