OBJECTIVE: To describe the autonomy of patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study was conducted with 11 patients on hemodialysis from a satellite clinic in the Great São Paulo. Data were collected through interviews. Bardin's methodological framework guided the content analysis of the data. RESULTS: Acceptance emerged as the main theme. Compliance and conformation were classified as subthemes of acceptance. Acceptance of hemodialysis was seen as conformation and it is related to the decision-making process in choosing to comply or not with the treatment. The meaning of compliance with hemodialysis was viewed as maintenance of life. CONCLUSION: Acceptance as a form of compliance and conformation is the only option that guarantees the survival of patients with chronic renal disease. It is important that the patients with chronic renal disease acquire knowledge about the disease and its treatment to have autonomy for decision-making regarding hemodialysis.
Personal autonomy; Renal dialysis; Renal insufficiency, chronic