Living Well with Kidney Disease Special Interest Group
The Renal Association and British Renal Society are working to improve staff and patient wellbeing through this SIG.
Who does this group involve?
This Special Interest Group (SIG) involves wide representation of the renal multi-disciplinary team from both the British Renal Society (BRS) and the Renal Association (RA), including patients and national kidney charities. Juliet Mayes and Matthew Graham-Brown are joint co-chairs for this SIG.
Why is this important?
The COVID pandemic has shone a light on a wide range of previously under-recognised issues for patients with kidney disease and the staff who care for them. The challenges staff and patients have faced throughout the pandemic are unique and have required innovative solutions to protect patients, staff and services. There is no doubt these challenges have caused significant strain to the mental and physical well-being of staff and patients alike.
This SIG has been formed in response to the identified need to understand the specific challenges that face staff and patients who work or receive care in kidney units and to provide support and resources tailored to their specific needs, whilst collating and coordinating the best examples of appropriate resources where already available.
What are the group's aims?
• Promoting wellbeing across the renal community and bringing this higher on the agenda for both patients and staff.
• Improving access to information for both staff and patients.
• Sharing and communicating up-to-date, relevant information and support.
• Collaborating and establishing patient and professional partnerships and representatives across different regions to ensure the SIG work is in line with patient and professional needs.
What are some of the outputs of the Living Well SIG?
To begin with, the focus has been on the wellbeing of renal healthcare providers. The Living Well with CKD SIG has collated resources for staff on both the BRS and RA websites. On the fourth of February 2020 the SIG hosted its first live webinar focusing on staff and patient wellbeing. Over 100 people attended this live webinar. The SIG have also offered a breath-workshop virtually for renal staff on the Kidney Beam platform, in addition to other wellbeing based On Demand sessions. The SIG plan to host a variety of both staff and patient well-being webinars soon to further support the renal community.
Watch this space and look out for upcoming information shared through your kidney unit!
Where can I go for more information?
For up to date information on any upcoming events follow the BRS and RA on Twitter: