Abstract
This study clarified the work of psychologists in the field of chronic kidney disease and investigated the rewards and difficulties that they face, as well as the potential for future contributions. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 41 psychologists. The majority of the respondents worked in hospitals with more than 100 beds. Differences were observed in the amount of effort spent in the field of chronic kidney disease: 16.8% for full-time psychologists and 44.6% for part-time psychologists. Direct support for patients frequently included “support aimed at obtaining psychological stability” and “assessment through face-to-face interviews and/or behavioral observation.” In response to a question about support for healthcare providers, many respondents selected “providing psychological advice and information to improve healthcare providers’ understanding of patients” and “advice on how healthcare providers should treat patients.” Regarding difficulties for psychologists working in this field, “challenges specific to chronic kidney disease” and “difficulties caused by the lack of an organized working foundation for psychologists” were cited. Respondents reported that rewarding aspects of working in this field included “being involved in patients’ lives and contributing to improve their physical illnesses” and “being able to utilize psychologists’ expertise as a member of a medical care team.” In future, it will be necessary to enhance the educational system for psychologists in this field and build a system that can provide more comprehensive psychological support for patients.
