The National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF), in partnership with Vantive, has launched Second Chance, a community-led initiative aimed at raising awareness of dialysis treatment options, including home-based therapies for people living with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
The initiative features real-life experiences of people living with kidney disease while providing patients and caregivers with accessible and easy-to-understand information about available treatment options.
For people newly diagnosed with ESKD, haemodialysis remains one of the most widely recognised and commonly available forms of dialysis. Conventional haemodialysis typically requires patients to visit a dialysis centre three times a week, with each session lasting around four hours, excluding travel time.
These regular treatment schedules can affect patients’ daily routines as they have to organise their work, family commitments and other activities around their dialysis sessions.
For eligible patients, Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) offers an alternative approach that allows dialysis treatment to be carried out at home using a machine while the patient sleeps at night.
This option can provide greater flexibility for patients by allowing them to receive treatment at home without having to travel to a dialysis centre for every session.
Through Second Chance, NKF and Vantive aim to broaden the conversation around dialysis and help patients understand the different treatment approaches available to them based on their individual circumstances and needs.
NKF Chief Executive Officer Choo Kok Ming said a kidney disease diagnosis should not make patients feel that their lives have come to an end or that their lives must be completely defined by treatment.
He said the initiative aims to provide patients with accessible information about treatment options, including home dialysis, so they can have informed discussions with their healthcare teams about their care.
One of the individuals featured in the Second Chance initiative is Timothy Wilfred Jepos from Sarawak, who chose APD after learning about the option during a counselling session in the ward.
Timothy said APD has allowed him to undergo dialysis at home while sleeping, enabling him to continue working, spend time with his family and take part in the moments that matter to him.
Through PERKESO’s Disability Management Programme, Timothy also received financial and vocational support, including assistance with rehabilitation, vocational needs and relevant social security benefits.
For patients in Sabah and Sarawak, APD supplies can now also be delivered directly to their homes, helping to address some of the challenges faced by those living outside major cities.
Second Chance also highlights the importance of being aware of existing support systems available to kidney patients, including government assistance and community resources for those who meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
By sharing real patient experiences alongside practical information about treatment options, the initiative aims to help patients and caregivers better understand the different pathways available to them and have more informed conversations with healthcare professionals.
For more information about dialysis options and available resources, visit the Second Chance initiative at mydialysiscompass.com.
