14 mental health needs , including reconfiguration of the social workers ’ roles , allowing them to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time with patients .
3 . Increased patient and family support , including peer mentoring and enhanced support during the first 120 days of dialysis treatment .
4 . The creation of a mental health toolkit for patients that could be used during treatment or at home . The toolkit could include creative arts activities , mindfulness and breathing techniques , recreational therapy , and educational materials .
5 . An awareness campaign to address stigma and reframe mental health in a positive light – shifting the emphasis from mental illness to mental health . Since hosting the roundtable event , staff at Rogosin have been working to develop and implement the defined projects . Building on the interviews conducted prior to the roundtable , a patient-engagement committee at Rogosin is developing a questionnaire to survey patients across units about their needs and healthcare experiences . In December , Dr . Philip Muskin , psychiatrist and Roundtable participant , trained Rogosin staff in the coherent breathing method , which can be used to calm both staff and patients . Discussions are in process to pilot art therapy sessions with patients at Rogosin dialysis units . Additionally , Rogosin is currently bringing iPads to dialysis units for patient use during treatment , and staff members are researching entertaining and therapeutic apps to help improve patients ’ experiences during treatment . Leadership at Rogosin is also pursuing additional training opportunities and support for staff to be able to address anxiety and depression among our patients .
While we believe that we are taking steps in the right direction at Rogosin to better address the needs of our ESRD patients , including their mental and emotional health needs , we recognize that this is an ongoing process , and that there is no quick fix . We must continue to build partnerships and to provide more comprehensive
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support structures for patients navigating such a complex health system if we expect to see improved health outcomes . We welcome additional ideas and opportunities to collaborate to improve health and quality of life of the patients we serve , and are particularly eager to create an environment where patients and providers work together as partners in improving care .
Special thanks to DPC Education Center Board Members Mike Guffey and Diane Brisbane for participating in this important roundtable discussion and sharing their patient perspectives .