The IPRO ESRD Network program provides technical assistance to facilities in multiple ways including education and resources to support patient engagement at the facility level. One way the Network encourages patient engagement is through the assistance we offer to local facilities in implementing or learning more about available peer mentorship/ambassador programs.

According to an article published in 2015, “Potential Impact of Peer Mentoring on Treatment Choice in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review,” written by Nasrollah Ghahramani MD, FACP, FASN, peer to peer programs have shown to help patients become more involved in their health care. Patients who work with a peer as a mentor are able to make more informed decisions about their dialysis treatment options and are better informed about transplant processes. Being informed about health care decisions by peers with shared experiences can build self-confidence which then leads to overall better health outcomes.

To read more about Ghahramani’s findings, click here.

To learn more about patient programs offered by your Network or local agencies, contact your ESRD Patient Services Department. Our Patient Services Team is here to assist with resources on the benefits of implementing patient peer programs or other patient support programming at your facility.