NN&I - July 2010
Renal Provider ProfilesSubscribe to our free eNewsletter at www.nephronline.comJuly 2010 Nephrology News & Issues 47 Renal Advantage Inc. is looking home as it charts its course for future growth in the renal dialysis industry. RAI currently has 65 home dialy-sis programs across the country, serv-ing approximately 1,200 patients. RAI plans to open centers of excellence for home therapies in 10 to 12 markets in the next three years. The company anticipates home dialysis will continue to grow at a double-digit pace. "As a leading renal dialysis com-pany with a strong growth strategy, the home dialysis sector is a key part of our long-term future vision," said Michael Klein, chief executive officer of RAI. "We are committed to building our home business and advancing a com-prehensive center of excellence train -ing initiative to foster the highest qual -ity care while promoting patient home dialysis, independence, and improved quality of life." The sharp focus on home dialysis began about three years ago as RAI's executive leadership recognized the expanding need in the marketplace. Clay Bittner was appointed vice presi-dent of home programs to direct the expansion. RAI also brought in neph-rologist Brent Miller of St. Louis to work with physicians across the coun-try on building successful home dialy-sis programs. "Nephrology is at a juncture where technology, science, and economics are converging to make home dialysis the best choice for many patients," Miller said. "I think this will continue. In fact, recent surveys of nephrologists have shown the majority would choose home dialysis for themselves, particularly more frequent home hemodialysis." Home dialysis offers broad appeal to patients seeking more control over their health care and lifestyle. "I see two general types of patients choosing home dialysis: Those who have read about the potential benefits and are interested in the best dialysis available, and those who have identified a prob-lem home dialysis can solve, such as flexibility, transportation, volume over -load, hypertension, or wanting control of their own health care," Miller said. Miller sees growth in simple terms improving renal care that promotes better wellness and peace of mind. "Ultimately, patients will find the best dialysis for them. I don't think the answer is in marketing or education, per se, but providing better dialysis," Miller said. "What will cause this popu-lation to grow is simply improving all aspects of the therapy, particularly for home hemodialysis." In all, RAI has more than 125 nurs-es on its home dialysis team nation-wide. The home program also includes dietitians and social workers educated and experienced in working specifically with the needs of home patients. "We are constantly seeking the right people and the best nurses to give patients the care, support and autonomy needed to enhance their lifestyle," Bittner said. RAI's menu of home dialysis services includes in-home hemodialysisshort-daily and extended therapyas well as peritoneal dialysis. Patient training RAI applies adult-learning con -cepts in designing individualized patient training programs. "The suc- cess patients have with home dialysis is greatly influenced by the initial training and support the patients and their fam-ilies receive from their care team," said Stacy Cigliana, home program admin-istrator, who has more than 20 years experience in the dialysis industry. In recent years, RAI has achieved significant recognition as a leader in advancing home dialysis nationwide by garnering Baxter's Pursuit of Excellence 5-Star Award in 13 of its peritoneal dial-ysis programs across the country. Documenting the success of home therapies RAI has taken many steps to fos-ter its home dialysis initiatives, and is participating in pioneering studies for the next generation of in-home ser -vices and treatments. RAI is currently involved in eight studies to advance the Renal Advantage looks toward home as part of its growth strategyBy Michelle Carver, RN, BSN, CNN Ms. Carver is director of Clinical ServicesHome Programs for Renal Advantage Inc., based in Brentwood, Tenn. She has 15 years of experience as a registered nurse and joined the company's home program last year. RenalEconomics_13.indd 47 6/16/10 6:43:33 PM
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