The National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF), together with Vantive, has launched Second Chance, a community-led initiative designed to improve awareness of dialysis treatment options among Malaysians living with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
The initiative aims to provide patients and caregivers with practical and easy-to-understand information while highlighting real experiences from people living with kidney disease.
Haemodialysis remains one of the most familiar forms of dialysis and commonly involves patients travelling to a dialysis centre three times a week, with each session taking around four hours.
For patients managing work, family responsibilities and other daily commitments, regular visits to a dialysis centre can become an important part of their weekly routine.
Home-based dialysis provides another option for eligible patients. Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) uses a machine to carry out the treatment overnight while the patient sleeps, allowing the therapy to take place in the comfort of their own home.
Through Second Chance, NKF and Vantive hope to improve understanding of home dialysis and encourage patients to discuss the available treatment options with their healthcare professionals.
NKF Chief Executive Officer Choo Kok Ming said the initiative seeks to help newly diagnosed patients see beyond the immediate challenges of a kidney disease diagnosis and understand the choices that may be available to them.
He said sharing real patient stories alongside accessible information can help patients and caregivers approach conversations about their care with greater awareness.
One of the patients featured in the initiative is Timothy Wilfred Jepos from Sarawak, who learned about APD during a counselling session in the ward.
His nephrologist introduced home dialysis as an option that could fit around his work and daily responsibilities.
Timothy said undergoing APD at home while sleeping has allowed him to continue working, spend time with his family and remain involved in important moments in his daily life.
He also received financial and vocational assistance through PERKESO’s Disability Management Programme, which provides support for eligible individuals.
For eligible patients in Sabah and Sarawak, APD supplies can now be delivered directly to their homes, helping address some of the logistical challenges associated with home-based dialysis.
The Second Chance initiative also seeks to raise awareness of support services that patients may be entitled to, including rehabilitation, vocational assistance and relevant social security benefits.
By bringing together real-life experiences and practical information, the initiative aims to help patients and caregivers gain a clearer understanding of dialysis choices and the support available throughout their treatment journey.
More information is available at mydialysiscompass.com