United States
A breakfast session at 2026 RSA conference in Christchurch was the perfect place to launch the Assisted PD Guidebook, and it was a coup to have one of the authors, Professor Paul Bennett, deliver the presentation. In front of a keen and dedicated audience, the launch of the Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis (AsPD) Guidebook marks an important step in supporting dialysis services across Australia and New Zealand to expand access to home-based kidney care. Developed by leading clinicians and researchers, the guidebook covers a wide range of topics to help implement an Assisted PD Service.
The guidebook translates evidence into actionable guidance that can be adapted to local needs. The guidebook contains practical prompts, implementation frameworks, templates and real-world examples covering key areas such as patient eligibility, referral pathways, staffing models, service design, training requirements, business case development, discharge planning and home visit processes. It also includes tools to support funding discussions, stakeholder engagement, operational planning and program evaluation. In addition to the full guidebook, services can access a Quick Guide, documentation templates and tailored support from Vantive to assist with planning and implementation.
The guidebook draws on real-world Australian and international experience, including outcomes from Western Australia and established programs globally. It will be featured at the ANZSN ASM meeting as well as a series of webinars with the authors and international experts, Prof. Edwina Brown (see lead story for more details), providing an opportunity for renal teams to explore practical approaches to implementation. Vantive will support services through every stage of the journey, from initial intent and stakeholder engagement through to program launch and ongoing evaluation. Register interest.
The launch of the guidebook was also reflected on the Vantive stand with flyers for the webinars and QR links to the Assisted PD quick guide drawing significant interest.
Support of home therapies by Vantive at RSA went beyond the stand and the breakfast session, with Vantive also sponsoring the Home Dialysis: Practice Updates and Clinical Insights workshop, presented by Kylie Pegg, Rosie Simmonds, Joanna Stockings and Kathy Shaw. The session provided an overview of current practice updates and clinical insights in home dialysis, with a focus on strengthening service delivery and improving patient outcomes. Jointly supported by The Home Network, presentations explored strategies to increase patient numbers in home dialysis, the role of allied health in patient care, and essential clinical considerations, including nocturnal dialysis and core knowledge for home dialysis nurses. A highlight of the session was the delivery of cupcakes to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of ShareSource in Australia and New Zealand–it was also a huge delight to have a member of the pilot service–John Hunter New England–in the room!