ABOUT US

What is this study about?
We are putting patients at the center of kidney care. Our study responds to reports from hundreds of patients and caregivers who want better care. We're here to provide a model of care that improves lives of patients with kidney disease and their families across the country. We’ll change the health system to improve care patients receive as they transition through earlier stages of kidney disease toward kidney failure and study whether these changes lead to patients’ improved health and well-being.

Who is on the team?
Our team is led by Drs. Ebony Boulware at Duke University and Jamie Green at Geisinger Health System. We have a full team of researchers, co-investigators, patients and caregivers from around the country that are part of our investigative team and they will participate in all aspects of our study. We're also engaging key stakeholders in the kidney community, including patients, providers, payers, and regulators.
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Who funded this study?
This study is funded by PCORI (Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute)

Where is it being done?
We are conducting our study at the Geisinger Health System kidney specialty clinics in Danville, PA.

How will it work?
We will study a new way of caring called “patient-centered kidney transitions care”. We will:
  • Give doctors tools to help them recognize when patients should prepare for kidney failure and help them support patients’ early and informed treatment decisions
  • Add a kidney special team member to the healthcare team to help patients learn about kidney disease, care for their kidneys, make informed decisions, get support, and coordinate their care.
 
How long will this project take place?
This project started in January 2016 and will take place for 5 years.
 
How can I get involved?
We have a full team that has been working together since 2015, but we are always looking for people to help us spread the word! If you like what you see and want to get involved – please tell people about us and feel free to mention us on social medias. Contact Clare Il’Giovine (clare.il’giovine@duke.edu) for more information.

PREPARE NOW Stands For:

Providing
Resources to
Enhance
Patients’
And Families’
Readiness to
Engage in Kidney Care
Break the News
Review your Options
Weigh the Pros and Cons