DaVita's new program looks to educate CKD patients

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.—DaVita Inc. recently introduced a series of free workshops that look to educate chronic kidney disease patients about their care before they need to go on dialysis.

The Empower Program is available in more than 40 locations throughout the United States, according to DaVita. It is led by a team of DaVita nurses, renal dietitians and social worker and uses a multidisciplinary approach to educate CKD patients about their disease, delaying its progression and the different treatment options available. Workshops also focus on preparing patients for life on dialysis, or a kidney transplant if needed.

Workshops are stage-specific, focusing on the unique needs of early-stage and late-stage CKD patients, according to DaVita. Early-stage CKD patients learn about how the kidneys function, how to take control of kidney disease and what to expect should the kidneys fail. Late-stage CKD patients, those most at risk for kidney failure, learn how to adjust to life on dialysis by controlling their diet, taking the proper medications and choosing the best treatment for their lifestyle. Empower workshops are also open to friends and family members of kidney patients, and encourage their participation.

"Our approach to shaping the future of kidney care is to no longer be just a 'dialysis company', but a kidney care community that strives to make a difference in the lives of all kidney patients," Kent Thiry, DaVita chairman and CEO, said in a statement. "DaVita believes that by dedicating resources to the full continuum of kidney disease and nephrology practice needs, these efforts will begin to reduce the overall burden on our national healthcare system's limited resource pool."