Online Tool Helps Pair Dialysis Patients with Compatible Treatment Options EL SEGUNDO, Calif., May 25
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- DaVita Inc., a leading provider
of kidney care services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and
disease (CKD), recently introduced "Treatment Evaluator", an interactive
online tool designed to provide education about the different dialysis
modalities DaVita(R) offers, and encourage patients to engage in conversation
with their nephrologist to determine which treatment option is most compatible
with their lifestyle.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020729/DAVITALOGO)
Treatment Evaluator(SM), available through http://www.davita.com by
clicking on "Tools", walks patients through a simple 18-question quiz to find
out which modality -- in-center hemodialysis, in-center self-care
hemodialysis, in-center nocturnal hemodialysis, home hemodialysis, or
peritoneal dialysis -- is a potential fit based on their answers.
The online quiz allows patients to answer questions about treatment
preferences, home and work responsibilities, and lifestyle choices. Treatment
Evaluator then provides an overview of three potentially compatible
modalities, and how each may benefit a patient's lifestyle. The tool also
includes links to additional resources including articles about the different
modalities, online videos and an animated presentation about how the kidneys
function.
"When speaking with a dialysis patient about the different treatment
options, it's good to have supplemental resources to complement what can be a
lot of information," said Joel Glickman, M.D. "Tools like Treatment Evaluator
help improve communication between patients and nephrologists by giving the
patient an opportunity to review information about the different modalities at
their own pace, in an a way that makes it easy for them to understand."
Treatment Evaluator was developed under the supervision of nephrologists,
nurses, renal dieticians and others to provide patients with a user-friendly
tool to learn more about the different treatment options available, and help
them understand how a modality compatible with their lifestyle and health
needs can add value to their dialysis treatment. As part of DaVita.com, the
interactive tool is one of many resources available to help patients living
with chronic kidney disease learn ways to improve all aspects of their lives.
DaVita is committed to caring for its patients through ongoing education
and outreach. In fact, DaVita's patient quality significantly exceeds national
averages, as validated by both the Clinical Performance Measures Report
published in 2006 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and
the December 2007 Fistula First Vascular Access Improvement Initiative.
DaVita and Treatment Evaluator are trademarks or registered trademarks of
DaVita Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
About DaVita Inc.
DaVita Inc., a FORTUNE 500(R) company, is a leading provider of kidney
care in the United States, providing dialysis services and education for
patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita
manages more than 1,300 outpatient facilities and acute units in more than 700
hospitals located in 43 states and the District of Columbia, serving
approximately 107,000 patients. For more information about DaVita and its
kidney education, please visit http://www.davita.com.
SOURCE DaVita Inc.
