Background: Treatment adherence (AT) can enhance hemodialysis patients' quality of life and life expectancy. Nurses in the healthcare system can benefit from understanding this concept, its attributes, antecedents, and consequences. This study aims to clarify the concept of AT in hemodialysis patients.
Methods: A three-phase concept analysis was conducted utilizing a hybrid model. In the theoretical phase (first phase), a literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, EBSCO, Scopus, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran search engines. In the fieldwork phase (second phase), semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight patients and nurses. The final analysis (third phase) combined the results from the previous phases.
Results: The characteristics of treatment adherence include being process-oriented, actively participating in therapy, being patient-centered, accepting responsibility for treatment, and being committed to the treatment process. To understand this concept, antecedents related to the patient, society, and the health care system must be considered. As a result of the emergence of this concept, patients' quality of life has been improved, and healthcare costs have been reduced.
Conclusion: This study provides insight into the characteristics of adherence to treatment and the factors that influence its proper implementation. This program will assist healthcare providers in better understanding this concept and improving their clinical practices for hemodialysis patients.