MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS 2012-2013
Since its establishment, the HOME Network has had considerable successes in developing resources for patients and healthcare professionals in line with its objectives and making optimal use of its members’ limited resources and time available to commit to the projects.
In 2013, the HOME Network successfully published its first manuscript outlining their vision and success in an International journal. This has resulted in significant interest by international parties regarding establishing similar groups in other countries.
- A preceptorship programme was hosted by Barwon Health in Geelong, Victoria, a unit chosen because it had successfully improved the uptake of nocturnal home haemodialysis. Discussions and experience shared reflected the Network's key priorities including early patient education, nurse education and training, physician advocacy and financial support for home dialysis patients.
- A survey about existing educational resources related to home dialysis was conducted, resulting in the development of practical resources including written and video case studies.
- The financial taskforce in partnership with KHA developed fact sheets available to patients, carers and healthcare providers. These fact sheets described the State- and Territory-specific financial support and resources available. These are used to inform patients and for the development of lobbying strategies for State government and other services providers. They were updated in early 2013 and will continue to be updated on an annual basis.
- The Nurse Education taskforce of the HOME Network conducted a survey to assess nursing knowledge and perception of promoting home dialysis therapies. A ‘myth buster’ brochure was then developed to address nephrology/dialysis nurse awareness and education about home dialysis.
- Patient information materials and a patient DVD have been developed by KHA in partnership with support and advice provided by the HOME Network patient education taskforce. The patient education taskforce was also instrumental in working with KHA to submit a response to the CARI Guidelines regarding early patient education about home dialysis.
- KHA, with advisory support of the HOME Network members, has developed a home dialysis website (http://www.homedialysis.org.au), which went live in August 2012. The content of the home dialysis website includes sections for consumers and health professionals. A number of the resources developed by the HOME Network are published on the Home Dialysis website.
- The HOME Network has been recognised within the nephrology community in response to activities undertaken by the members of the HOME Network such as presenting abstracts, posters and oral presentations at national conferences, including the Home Therapies Conference, and meetings supported by the Renal Society of Australasia (RSA) and Australia and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN). A number of the HOME Network’s members have been involved in the organising committees and/or as invited speakers for the Home Therapies Conference held in 2012 and the Home Dialysis Conference in 2014.
In 2013, the HOME Network successfully published its first manuscript outlining their vision and success in an International journal. This has resulted in significant interest by international parties regarding establishing similar groups in other countries.
