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Goal: Identify the domains and dimensions of self-management experienced by peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients who have been on PD for more than 4 years.

Objectives:

Examine the domains of patient autonomy and normality that were suggested by study participants.
Explore the dimensions of autonomy including partnership in care, self-care activity, and self-care self-efficacy.
Explore the dimensions of normality including flexibility/freedom, interpretations of illness severity, and perceptions of body image.
Attempt to interpret the domains and dimensions of self-management revealed by PD patients as they might apply to all ESRD patients and to other chronically ill individuals as well.

Acknowledgement: This study was supported by an unrestricted clinical grant from Baxter Healthcare. The authors wish to thank the 18 patients on peritoneal dialysis who gave so generously of themselves. Thanks also to Kristi Klicko for her ongoing dedication and support.

Roberta Braun Curtin PhD, RN

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