End-stage renal disease is the last stage of chronic kidney disease and is associated with a decreased quality of life and life expectancy. This study aimed to explore palliative care with end-stage renal disease. Qualitative meta-synthesis was used as the study design. The search was performed for qualitative studies published until June 2021 and uses reciprocal translation and synthesis of in vivo and imported concepts. Five themes were included: Struggling to face the disease, experiencing deterioration, overcoming the challenges of dialysis, leading to a positive outlook, and preparing for the end of life. In facing chronic disease with life-limiting potential, patients experienced some negative feelings and deterioration in their quality of life. Adaptation to the disease then leads patients to a better outlook through increased spirituality and social status. Furthermore, by accepting the present condition, they started to prepare for the future. Increasing awareness of mortality leads them to discuss advance care (ACP) planning with healthcare professionals and families.
Keywords: end-stage renal disease; palliative care; qualitative synthesis.