The objective of this paper was to analyze the meaning attributed by renal patients to the hemodialysis treatment received. Using the clinical-qualitative method interviews were conducted, following a semi-structured questionnaire with seven patients from a hemodialysis unit, selected through intentional sampling. The data were examined by thematic content analysis. Survival emerged as the most significant objective of the treatment. The fact that the treatment was mandatory placed the patient in a situation of implicit transference of responsibilities, when making decisions about the adopted therapeutic, to the team of health professionals, generating compliance or conformity regarding his/her own participation in this process. The patients attributed to culture lack of knowledge about the treatment.63799-805