Major Achievements in 2016

At the Annual HOME Network Workshop in September 2016, a new revised organisational structure was endorsed by the members.  This new structure will enhance and strengthen the Network in the future development.
 
Activities of The HOME Network in 2016 included:

(1) Health Care Professional Focus Group

• The Train the Trainer Peritoneal Dialysis Curriculum has been developed.
• The development of the PD Patient Training Manual completed.
• The TEACH-PD Trial in partnership with AKTN is getting bigger and exciting. Funding secured for the e-portal and some of the development work plus research works with AKTN.  Pending on further refinement and development of the protocol for the Pilot Study, aiming at commencement in late 2017.

(2) Patient Factors Focus Group

• The Multi-centre clinical research titled: 'The Dialysis Uptake Factors' was completed with recruitment.  Two manuscripts were accepted for publication and 2 more to be drafted.
• The Financial Fact Sheet will be revised shortly to incorporate any update information.

(3) Technology Focus Group

• The manuscript  titled: 'Beyond Dialysis – Telehealth Initiatives' was accepted and published in a peer review journal.

(4) Professional Forums

• A number of The HOME Network members presented at the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) Conference in Feb 2016 in Melbourne.  In addition, The HOME Network also committed a booth at this Conference to promote the HOME Network and seek ideas from the delegates.
• On 1 March 2016, on behalf of The HOME Network, Rosie Simmonds presented at the Tasmanian Home Dialysis Therapies Symposium.
• On 19 June 2016, The HOME Network hosted a Home Therapy Symposium in Gold Coast in collaboration with the Renal Society of Australasia.  The one day symposium focuses on initiatives and topics on home therapies (PD & HHD).  The attendance was very good and feedback was excellent.