Network Patient Representatives
What is a Network Patient Representative (NPR)?
Every dialysis clinic in Texas should have a Network Patient Representative (NPR) who will act as a link between patients and the ESRD Network office. The NPR may also serve as a link between patients and clinic staff (see optional duties). If there is someone in the clinic already serving as a link between patients and clinic staff, the NPR will serve only as a link between the Network and patients in the clinic.
The Network's Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) developed the NPR responsibilities listed below. These responsibilities are only minimal guidelines. Each clinic or center is free to expand this list as they wish by adding other duties to improve communication between patients and staff and to expand facility's patient and staff education opportunities.
Suggested Standard responsibilities include:
- Be a role model to other patients by learning information about treatments for kidney disease and following his/her own treatment plan.
- Receive and distribute ESRD Network patient mail-outs.
- At the facility's request, communicate clinic updates or concerns to fellow patients.
- Be available to assist the unit Social Worker with patient support groups.
Suggested Optional responsibilities include:
- Read and answer patients' questions about information from their facility and the Network.
- Be available to:
- Help with communications between patients and facility staff when needed or requested.
- Assist with the orientation and support of new patients.
- Assist with patient activities such as educational meetings and social events.
- Help organize phone calls or visits (where appropriate) to other patients.
- Write and distribute a patient newsletter for his/her own clinic with the aid of clinic staff.
If you would like to assist the Network and your fellow patients with updates and information, then you are perfect for the job!
Related Information
See the current list of Patient Advisory Committe members.