Dialysis Training | SMARI LLC — Greenbook

Dialysis Training

Challenge

A device manufacturer that creates products for home dialysis wanted to better understand how to make and promote training materials that assist in not only educating the customer, but also the healthcare professional. The device manufacturer sponsoring this research wished to specifically understand:

Expectations and perceptions of current home dialysis training materials
Shortcomings of existing materials and unmet needs
Preferred media for training materials
Determine ongoing support needs of patients once they begin home dialysis
Test preliminary concepts under development

Proprietary solution

A multi-step research process was conducted to assess the perceptions of three different audience types to include:
• Clinical educators
• Healthcare Professionals
• Dialysis patients

To understand the individual journeys through training and usage, in-depth, exploratory interviews were conducted among each audience type. To follow, online focus groups were conducted among each group to test concept ideas. Focus groups proved optimal for idea generation and refinement as the "group think" works to the advantage of progressing ideas. To conclude the research, a brief survey was conducted among patients to provide statistically valid insight around usage indications and satisfaction.

Result

As a result of this research, the manufacturer was able to walk away with an understanding of how best to develop training materials so as to increase customer satisfaction and enhance partnerships with healthcare professionals. Specific findings include:

The degree of information that should be provided at each stage of the journey
How best to present information
How best to allow HCPs and educators to incorporate information and input
Best means to train so as to mimic a hands-on experience
What stages in the learning process patients feel most vulnerable and what information is needed.
How to foster collaboration and exchanges between educators and HCPs