The application of a clown therapy intervention in hemodialysis: patient satisfaction and appropriateness

Introduction: Hemodialysis patients often face challenges in their living conditions, including suffering, anxiety,depression, and reduced quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions based on evidence can help improvethe overall condition of these patients. Clown therapy is one such intervention that may enhance psychologicalwell-being.Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the satisfaction and appropriateness of clown therapy during hemodialysissessions. Satisfaction and appropriateness were measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Nine clown therapistsperformed various techniques for 30 minutes daily over six days.Results: The sample included 63 participants: 41 patients and 22 healthcare providers. Patients’ satisfaction withclown therapy averaged 4.96 (SD = .126), and appropriateness during hemodialysis scored 4.98 (SD = .156). Anassociation exists between appropriateness and satisfaction (χ2 = 52.706, p = 0.000). Healthcare providers’ satisfaction averaged 4.68 (SD = .646), and appropriateness scored 4.64 (SD = .581). There is an association betweensatisfaction and appropriateness (χ2 = 47.677, p = .000). The relationship intensity between appropriateness andsatisfaction is strong (d = .793, p = .001) with a high strength (τ-b = .794, p = .001). No negative effects or disruptionsto healthcare activities were observed during clown therapy. Observations indicated various psychologicaland social dynamics, including emotions, verbal communication, paralinguistics, kinesics, proxemics, and aptica.Conclusions: Clown therapy during hemodialysis sessions seems suitable and satisfactory for patients and healthcareproviders.