Livingston, N.J. -- Kidney transplantation can mean a new lease on life for patients on dialysis, removing them from the procedure’s demanding schedule and giving them a new, functioning organ.
But medical professionals with the Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division of The Saint Barnabas Health Care System (SBHCS) are concerned that some local patients aren’t aware of the full possibilities of transplantation. To reach out to them, they are first reaching out to the nurses and professionals who see those patients regularly, the ones at dialysis centers across the tri-state area.
Recently, SBHCS was the first facility in New Jersey to hold Explore Transplant, an educational seminar designed to teach dialysis professionals how to talk to patients about transplantation and living donation.
The workshop was conducted by Explore Transplant creator Amy Waterman, PhD, an assistant professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, and Christina Goalby, MSW, Explore Transplant co-trainer and experienced dialysis center social worker. An expert panel discussion was conducted by several members of the Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division, with locations at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, N.J., and Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, N.J.
Dr. Waterman first started Explore Transplant at St. Louis' Barnes-Jewish Hospital, funded with a grant by the Health Resources and Services Administration. By talking providers through a series of three to four patient meetings, Explore Transplant aims to help them assess the individual patient’s stage of readiness and comfort in pursuing transplantation.
“We educated 110 providers from more than 60 dialysis centers and other organizations who can now utilize the program with their patients,” explained Debbie Morgan, MSW, LCSW, Director of the Transplant Division. “We hope that this will have a positive impact on the lives of those receiving the education and may extend their lifetimes,” she added.
At the end of the session, providers were prepared to educate patients about the transplant waiting list, the transplant procedure and the options available through the Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division for living donation from a loved one. They were also given a DVD with testimonials from patients on the transplant experience.
"A patient's life expectancy is much better having a transplant than not,” Ms. Morgan said. “Furthermore, patients with a living donor kidney have a better chance at more years with a functioning kidney than patients with a deceased donor kidney. Dialysis patients should be aware of their options in order to make the best choice for themselves and their loved ones."
The first step in getting an organ transplant is contacting the Saint Barnabas Health Care System Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division and scheduling a visit for an introductory educational session. The Division offers several locations across New Jersey with convenient access from New York and Pennsylvania. To schedule a patient evaluation, become a kidney donor or learn more about The Living Donor Institute, please visit www.transplantkidney.org or call Newark Beth Israel Medical Center at 1.877.878.7555 or Saint Barnabas Medical Center at 1.888.409.4707.
The world-class Renal and Pancreas Transplant Division of Barnabas Health is one of the world's most progressive transplant programs. Integrated programs at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston form the second largest kidney transplant program among 240 in the United States. In 2010, the Division achieved record-breaking volumes - performing 298 transplants, which included 135 living donor transplants. Living donation options include Living-Related and Emotionally-Related Donor Transplantation, Living Donor Kidney Exchange Program, Program for Incompatible Transplants and
Altruistic Donation.
Date: June 30, 2011
Contact: Samantha Anton, 973-322-5425
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