#United States #kidney transplant #National Kidney Foundation #Mill Valley, California #inTandem Health

Transforming Kidney Transplant Care Through Partnership

In an impactful collaboration that seeks to reshape kidney transplant care across the United States, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has joined forces with inTandem Health. This union is more than a partnership; it represents a strategic effort to improve support for patients, living donors, and caregivers facing the complexities of kidney transplants.

Established as the leading nonprofit organization focusing on kidney disease prevention and treatment, NKF aims to tackle the pressing issues that patients deal with while awaiting transplants. Meanwhile, inTandem Health, known for pioneering digital peer support solutions, brings innovation to patient care. Together, they are developing a unique system designed to offer robust support at critical points in patients’ transplant journeys.

Understanding the Challenge

Every day, 13 individuals in the U.S. lose their lives while waiting for a kidney transplant—an alarming statistic that underscores the urgency for improved support systems. Patients often navigate lengthy wait times, accompanied by feelings of isolation and anxiety. This partnership directly addresses these issues by implementing a human-centric approach that combines personal connection with advanced technological solutions.

The collaboration features more than 200 trained peer mentors from NKF, who will provide invaluable one-on-one support to patients and donors. By integrating inTandem Health's state-of-the-art digital platform, healthcare providers can facilitate seamless support at crucial moments for those in need.

Aiming for the CMS IOTA Goals

A significant aspect of this partnership is its alignment with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) IOTA goals. One of the primary objectives is to boost the number of living donors, a fundamental element in increasing the overall volume of kidney transplants. By enhancing support from mentors, potential living donors are more likely to feel confident in their decision, leading to a higher success rate in completing their donation process.

Proven Success at University of Michigan Health

An exemplary case of success can be seen at the University of Michigan Health, where every kidney transplant patient and living donor connects with a peer mentor through inTandem's Human Connect platform. The platform’s automated Epic onboarding feature ensures a smooth integration process, with a marked increase in patient satisfaction—more than 90%. Furthermore, it has successfully saved hundreds of clinical hours by allowing peer mentors to handle routine queries, freeing up clinical staff to focus on more critical issues.

Moreover, statistics show that 84% of living donors who came through NKF's referral link benefited from mentorship, highlighting the significant positive impact peer support can have during the decision-making process for donations. Many donors reported feeling more assured and informed about their donation after engaging with a mentor.

Comprehensive Solutions for Healthcare Providers

For the healthcare sector, the NKF and inTandem partnership offers a complete solution ready for immediate implementation. Hospitals can expect benefits like:

• - Seamless Integration: A direct link to NKF’s extensive network of trained kidney mentors.
• - Automated Enrollment: With Epic integration, hospitals can easily invite eligible patients, donors, and caregivers at critical moments.
• - Operational Efficiency: inTandem's platform acts as a buffer by addressing non-clinical questions, which lessens the burden on care coordinators and reveals actionable data regarding patients at risk.
• - Insightful Feedback Mechanisms: Mentor Signals provide ongoing feedback loops that enhance patient care outcomes and retention rates.

Voices of Leadership

Leadership from both organizations emphasizes the importance of this partnership. Jessica Joseph, SVP Scientific Operations at NKF, states, “This new model underscores our commitment to innovative, patient-centered care.” Meanwhile, Paul Hoffman, CEO of inTandem Health, points out the partnership will ensure no one has to navigate the transplant journey without support, further enriching the care experience.

John Davis, a notable board member of inTandem Health and former CEO at NKF, highlights that peer mentors can help patients stay engaged and adhere to their care plans, allowing healthcare systems to witness measurable improvements in various key performance metrics.

Conclusion

With the combined expertise and resources of inTandem Health and the National Kidney Foundation, this partnership aims to fundamentally change the landscape of kidney transplant support. Their shared goal is to foster a system where patients and donors feel empowered and connected throughout their journeys, paving the way for a brighter future in kidney care.