The TransplantFirst Academy’s curriculum progressively incorporates three separate, yet interconnected, tracks of chronic kidney disease patient education, empowerment and enlightenment experiences. Each track can be provided in a group setting or self-directed by individual patients. The timing of delivery begins at the time of diagnosis and progresses to higher levels throughout various stages of the patient’s disease to ensure timeliness of delivery. To ensure comprehension and competency, tracks are repeated for reinforcement and application.

Track 1 encourages patients to take an active role in their care by becoming their own best advocate. In this training session, patients realize that they are responsible for directing their care by asking key questions and voicing their desires and concerns. Throughout this session patients learn how participating in the decision-making process leads to more favorable outcomes. Patients are also exposed to interactive engagement skills to help them become a more enlightened and empowered participant.  

Track 2 allows each patient to become their own investigative agent, so they can peel back the layers to see the distinct differences between dialysis and transplant risks and benefits for themselves. Here the patient learns the value of receiving a transplant before the need for dialysis (known as a preemptive kidney transplant). This module focuses on facts, risks, benefits and outcomes, and essential decision making and goal setting skills. Information is power, and after attending this session patients will not only walk away better informed about their best option; they’ll also be motivated to proactively start a plan to reach their goals.

Track 3 encourages patients to learn more about living kidney donor opportunities with the opportunity to become their own “donor magnet.” In this module, patients learn how to share their story to elicit curiosity and interest, increase awareness and inspirit potential living kidney donors to lean forward in an attempt to see if they might be able to be “the chosen one” for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.