The continuum home program concept

The continuum home program concept aims to promote preservation of freedom for the individual patient, providing the opportunity to administer the therapy of choice in the patient's own environment. It strives for a continuation rather than a disruption of the patient's live. Continuum emphasizes matching the prescription to the patient's metabolic and psychological needs and strong consideration is given to economic realities and the best utilization of resources. Patients should be approached from the time of earliest referral and should be followed throughout their life with renal failure, regardless of therapy selection. The concept incorporates the traditional renal team members, as well as individuals responsible for the creation, manufacturing and delivery of products and services. It addresses patient recruitment, pre-ESRD education, general planning of dialysis, training tools and the timely creation of vascular or peritoneal access. The ideal program should provide a continuous flow of services where consideration for the patient's autonomy is always a priority.