Kidney Matters - Issue 12 Spring 2021

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Eleri Wood
Professor Nicola Thomas
“They can choose whether they have a phone call or
face-to-face meeting. We have found the majority
want a face-to-face meeting with the supporter, as
talking through their lived experience is an important
part of what they are after. In our experience,
most patients have made a decision about dialysis
or a transplant, but want the confidence to feel
their decision is the right one for them. Having the
reassurance of seeing someone who is living on dialysis
and talking through their choices with them give them
that support they need.”
Eleri adds, “Resources from the Toolkit help patients
from all communities. Peer support is extra meaningful
for those groups who are already under-represented.
King’s is one of the most ethnically diverse hospitals
and the programme is well used in the Black, Asian and
minority ethnic (BAME) community.”
Benefits and testimonials
Peer support has already benefited patients in a range
of physical, emotional and behavioural ways. Evidence
suggests that peer support is widely liked and valued
by people with kidney disease. Benefits such as greater
knowledge and confidence, reassurance from meeting
a positive role model and a reduced sense of isolation
are reported. It assists treatment decision making,
increases empowerment and self-management
behaviours, and is recommended as an important
component of high-quality kidney care. Patients who
have benefited from this programme have shared their
experiences:
“… looking at them you realise there’s a lot of life ahead.
And a lot of people are walking around having dialysis or
kidney transplant and they carry on fairly normal lives.”
“That’s the very nature of a peer … that you feel you can
relate to them, there’s no white coat in between you
and them.”
“The doctors and nurses will say it’s not going to hurt
but unless you’ve sat on a [dialysis] machine, you don’t
know. You can believe someone who’s been through it.”
Richard Endacott, a trained peer supporter and a
kidney patient of 40 years says, “Peer support is there
to help you over the hurdles, be encouraged and feel in
control on your patient journey. The Toolkit is easy to
understand, and a step-by-step guide that identifies
the key elements to consider in the setting up of a
successful peer support group.”.
For more information on the
peer support toolkit visit
www.kidneycareuk.org/
peersupport-toolkit