Educate Your Patients

For each of six learning sessions that can be carried out one-on-one or in groups, NKDEP has included sample session starters, a set of learning objectives, recommended session content, links to print and online background content and patient materials, and sample outcome assessment questions and indicators. Patient education materials can be downloaded or ordered from the National Kidney and Urological Disease Information Clearinghouse. The resource also provides links to educational videos (also available on DVD) that are useful for learning how to answer patients' questions.

A few other considerations:

Whenever possible, try to include family members and loved ones in learning sessions.
You may need to preface participants' expectations with information they have received from other providers (eGFR 20, nephrologist says everything is OK)
When necessary, consider how cultural considerations may impact your lesson content for certain populations.
As always, be sensitive to the needs of your patients. Kidney disease and kidney failure can cause fear within patients.
When possible, consider including an actual patient as a guest speaker to share experiences for group session.
When possible, consider including an actual patient as a guest speaker to share experiences for group session.
MS requires outcome assessments of patient knowledge for each session. Sample assessment questions are provided. You are encouraged, however, to develop your own overall outcome indicators and program assessments. For example, you may decide to compare baseline fistula rates vs. post-program fistula rates.

Thank you for using this resource to teach patients about kidney disease and kidney failure.
We hope you find it useful and look forward to receiving your feedback.