MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal)
Vol. 8 No. 6 (2026): MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal)

Mental Health Support for Hemodialysis Patients and Families: Needs, Programs, and Barriers

Puspa Wardhani (Department of Nursing, Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Pontianak, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia)
Fakrul Ardiansyah (Department of Nursing, Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Pontianak, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia)
Ruri Virdiyanti (Department of Nursing, Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Pontianak, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia)
Maulidah Maulidah (Department of Nursing, Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Pontianak, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia)
Suhendra Suhendra (Department of Nursing, Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Pontianak, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia)
Bernadette D. Quiambao (Saint Paul University Philippines, Tuguegarao, Cagayan, Philippines)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

Patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis frequently experience significant psychological distress and psychosocial challenges. At the same time, mental health services within dialysis settings remain insufficiently integrated and often overlook the needs of family caregivers.This study aimed to explore the needs, existing programs, and barriers to mental health service implementation for hemodialysis patients and their families at St. Vincentius General Hospital, Singkawang. Using a qualitative approach, 26 participants were recruited through purposive sampling, comprising 10 hemodialysis patients, 10 family caregivers, and 6 nurses. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and document review, and were analyzed using thematic analysis.The analysis revealed three major themes. First, patients and families reported significant psychosocial needs stemming from emotional distress, challenges in treatment adaptation, and caregiver burden. Second, existing mental health services were limited, informal, and primarily delivered through therapeutic communication and spiritual support without structured screening, counseling, or referral mechanisms. Third, critical implementation barriers were identified, including limited clinical time, high nursing workloads, insufficient mental health training, low awareness among stakeholders, and a lack of standardized referral pathways. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated, structured mental health services to enhance continuity of care and improve the well-being of hemodialysis patients and their families.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

medica

Publisher

Subject

Chemistry Dentistry Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Veterinary

Description

MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal), with registered number ISSN 2622-6596 (Print), 2622-660X (Online) is an Open Access and peer-reviewed journal presenting timely research on all aspects of health that other media have not published. Managed by the Borneo Scientific Publishing, ...