ESRD NETWORK 6 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

Patient Ambassador Pilot ProgramIn 2011, Network 6 continued the activities of the pilot Patient Ambassador Program, designedto educate and build a stronger relationship with patients and the Southeastern Kidney Council.SKC identified local “Ambassadors” to provide peer-to-peer interaction with patients, providefeedback on Network for outreach and education activities. The activities of the ambassadors in2011 focused on identifying barriers to quality patient care and ways to improve the patients’experience of care. Additionally, throughout the year, SKC held monthly calls with Ambassadorsand conducted site visits to help encourage and support the Ambassadors.The vision: “To develop patient-centered resources and tools to empower ESRD patients”Program Goals:I. Facilitate patient-family support groupsII. Advocate for quality patient careIII. Develop educational tools and resourcesIV. Assist in distributing Network 6 educational materialsV. Communicate with patients on the role of the AmbassadorMonthly CallsThe Ambassadors, facility staff and Network staff shared information about monthly facilityeducation activities, suggestions, concerns, and ideas shared by peer beneficiaries on monthlyconference calls. Network 6 held these calls on a Wednesday and a Thursday of each month toaccommodate treatment schedules. Additionally during these monthly meetings Network staffpresented on topics that included: Taking Control of Your Health Care, VocationalRehabilitation, Immunizations, Medicare Part D, Advanced Care Planning, Nutrition andwellness, Mental Health, and Treatment Options.Site Visits with Patient AmbassadorsPatient Services Coordinator and Patient Services Specialist visited 13 Patient Ambassadors at13 clinics to discuss implementation of the Ambassador program at each clinic and future goalsfor the Patient Ambassador Program. Staff offered support to each Patient Ambassador andencouraged their continued efforts as Ambassadors.P a g e | 61