Health Literacy and Emotional Management in Patients on Renal Replacement Therapy: A Mixed-Method Study Protocol

Abstract

Background: Patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) must adapt their lives to dialysis treatment, self-care routines, and medical restrictions, which can significantly impact their quality of life and emotional wellbeing. Additionally, limited health literacy hinders adherence to self-care practice, negatively affecting their health outcomes and treatment effectiveness. Given these challenges, this study aims to design and develop an action protocol that involves a change in the approach to health literacy and emotional management for patients on RRT, tailored to their specific needs, considering the different perspectives that influence the patient and their environment, including organizational, structural, care, and relational dimensions. Methods: The study will be based on the Ophelia (Optimizing Health Literacy and Access) methodology and consists of three phases over a three-year period (2025-2027): (a) a mixed design to explore health literacy level, coping strategies, adherence to self-care, and quality of life; (b) the development of the action protocol based on scientific evidence and the needs detected in this population; and (c) the validation of the protocol content by an expert panel made up of patients, professionals, and managers. Conclusions: The expected outcome is a clinically applicable protocol designed to improve health literacy and emotional management in patients undergoing RRT. This protocol will support healthcare administrators in structural and organizational planning, assist providers in delivering comprehensive care, enhance emotional support, and promote health literacy among patients. Ultimately, it aims to improve treatment adherence, health outcomes, and quality of life for this population.