Picture the patient who shows up to the emergency room fatigued, confused, out of breath and without an appetite. Until this visit, they were completely unaware they have kidney disease. Now, they are in need of urgent kidney replacement therapy. Though grateful for answers, they may be overwhelmed and confused by the many important medical decisions they face.
They may feel confused about the medical jargon they’re hearing for the first time, as well as the various treatment options, which can have implications on short-term and long-term health. The patient may feel pressured to make quick decisions and may be uncertain about the impact certain treatment pathways could have on their work and personal life.
Beyond the clinical experience, imagine the financial impacts of hospital admission, ongoing care and the potential complications and costs associated with unplanned dialysis starts.
The fact is one in three U.S. adults are at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). More than 60% of kidney failures occur without warning and only 40% of CKD patients see a nephrologist before their kidneys fail. Strive aims to change these statistics with a patient-centric Care Model focused on early detection, education and empowerment.
“Kidney disease care should start well before someone reaches end-stage,” said Dr. Shika Pappoe, nephrologist and Strive’s Chief Medical Officer. “And, at Strive, we believe care should address the whole person — not just their diagnosis. We define patient-centric care as working ‘with’ patients and their families rather than just doing care ‘to’ or ‘for’ them. Ultimately, Strive patients determine how they will participate in care and decision-making.”
How Strive’s Care Model Is Set Up
Strive works with health systems, medical groups, payors and nephrologists. But no matter the partner, the focus is the same: patients.
The team at Strive operates as an extension of a partner’s team, helping them better care for patients using a value-based approach. Value-based care has been shown to improve outcomes for patients while rewarding healthcare providers with incentive payments for the quality of care they provide. Improving patient experience and health outcomes is foundational to Strive.
Strive believes a successful Care Model must include three core components:
The combination of these three components allows for an end-to-end solution for patients that spans early CKD identification through renal replacement therapy.
What Makes Strive Different?
Strive’s distinctive Care Model includes:
A market-dedicated leadership team works with partners to determine needs and build a comprehensive and collaborative team of Strive Kidney Heroes™. This group forms the backbone of Strive’s Care Model. Kidney Heroes™ include nurse practitioners, registered nurse case managers, care coordinators, medical assistants, licensed clinical social workers, clinical pharmacists, registered dietitians and office managers. These highly specialized caregivers understand the complexities of kidney disease and, in conjunction with the nephrologist and medical director, work to slow or redirect disease progression. This team helps execute each patient’s clinical care plan while:
The Future State with Strive
Think back to that patient in the emergency room and consider their story under the Strive Care Model. Instead of a surprise ESKD diagnosis in the acute care setting, they would have been identified at a far earlier stage in their CKD progression. They would have a nephrologist, understand their disease and prognosis and be empowered to make decisions to delay the progression of their disease for as long as possible. They would also have access to CKD education and going support so they can feel well-informed and confident in selecting the best treatment plan for their lifestyle, whether it be home-based dialysis or transplant.
Along the way, they’d have access to experts in nutrition, medication, psychosocial support and would know where to turn when faced with questions or barriers.
“A person’s journey with kidney disease is not a straight line,” Watson said. “The team at Strive recognizes that, making sure we help patients at every turn on their path toward better health. We ensure every patient is heard and understood so we can incorporate their values, preferences and voice into how we deliver whole-person care and support. That’s the kind of patient experience Strive is creating for people with kidney disease.”
To learn more about Strive’s Care Model, email info@strivehealth.com or complete our contact form.
Each of us has chosen to dedicate our time to something bigger than ourselves. We are resilient, tenacious, and strive for continuous innovation. We have fun. And we always care for others first.
“At Strive, we’re transforming kidney care. While our mission, vision, and values-based culture play critical roles in that transformation, our people (Strivers) make it happen. Strivers are delivering compassionate kidney care and creating an incredible place to work.”
Let’s do better for kidney disease patients and improve our kidney care system together. Contact us now!
CONTACT USIn this quick article, we provide anexecutive summary of the ETC model, what nephrologists need to know, anddiscuss implications for the nephrologists and dialysis facilities.
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