Training Guide - The Renal Network

Section 1: Program Development continuedE. Identify your facilitators/patient panel/discussion leaders/local experts asneeded. (Some parts of the workshop program are discretionary.)Patient PanelThe development of a patient panel works best when the patients invited reflect thediversity of the local population. Also the patients selected should have a range ofaccess types representing the problems and successes that staff face on a day-to-daybasis. Most patients are comfortable telling their stories, but it is important to let eachpatient know exactly what aspect of the story you would like them to tell. Give themquestions to use as prompts. For example:1. What concerns did you have about getting a fistula?2. How did you overcome your fears?3. How did staff help you?Let patients know how much time they have to speak individually and as a group. Youmay wish to let each patient take a few moments to tell their story and then askquestions to which they all respond. Questions may come from the moderator or fromthe participants.Local SpeakersYou may wish to use local speakers either to make a presentation or to lead adiscussion on a selected topic. When selecting a local speaker it is important to shareyour goals for the training program and discuss the specific themes or issues you wouldlike to address. Using an outside speaker may be especially important when you wantto introduce new techniques or methods. There are times when “one of your own” maybe capable of doing the job but may find it difficult to be “a prophet in their own house.”Talking PointsTalking points make it easier to summarize the main points in your training program.Outlining talking points makes it easier to facilitate a discussion and respond toquestions when the opportunity presents itself.Additional Reading MaterialsAdd additional resources to any section of the training program you may wish toemphasize or develop further.4