Dialysis Patient Citizens Launches New Program to Enhance Patient-Caregiver Relationship, Engage Front-Line Clinicians on Key Kidney Patient Issues

Nation’s Largest Dialysis Patient Organization Introduces New ‘Partners in Care’ Program Designed to Unify Patients and Caregivers in Initiatives to Improve Patients’ Quality of Life

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 19, 2010) – Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) – a national, non-profit, patient-led dialysis organization with more than 22,000 members nationwide – announced today the launch of its new Partners in Care program, designed to unite kidney care professionals with patients in initiatives to promote patient empowerment and improved quality of life for all dialysis patients.

The program – open to physicians, nurses, social workers, dieticians, dialysis facility administrators and others – strives to increase communication between kidney caregivers and patients on matters that can improve patients’ quality of care and quality of life, through the delivery of updates on key public policy issues in kidney care; providing caregivers a greater understanding of the patient community’s perspective on these issues; and supporting patients in their advocacy efforts by uniting patients and care providers in grassroots activities.  In addition, Partners in Care will have a strong focus on patient education by facilitating ways for clinicians to better engage patients to take an active role in their own care and to help educate fellow patients on the importance of being an involved member of their care team.  By strengthening the caregiver-patient partnership, Partners in Care aims to help patients get more involved in their own care, leading to improved awareness, care outcomes and quality of life.

“Improving clinical outcomes for dialysis patients is a key focus for kidney care professionals, and this program has a unique opportunity to make a real difference in improving patients’ quality of life,” said Deborah Barnett, DPC Board Member and dialysis social worker. “By facilitating stronger partnerships between patients and caregivers, patients will be more empowered to take an active role in their care.”

Joining the program is free, and in addition to receiving regular up-to-date information on matters that may help improve patients’ kidney care nationally and at the state level, Partners in Care members will receive fact sheets, brochures, outreach tools and additional information for discussing quality-of-care issues and care empowerment with their patients.

“DPC is proud to launch this new offering, which builds upon our mission to improve the partnership between patients and caregivers,” said Chad Lennox, DPC Executive Director. “We look forward to seeing this initiative join patients with their caregivers on matters that can improve patients’ quality of care and quality of life.”

For more information about Partners in Care, visit www.dialysispatients.org/partners-in-care.