“It’s Better at Home” home dialysis video seriesA series of videos that provide first-hand accounts by BC patients about their need for, and experience with, home dialysis, including many of the benefits. Dr. Michael Copland is also featured. Each video ranges from 1 to 6 minutes. The series playlist includes:
COVID protocols have been preventing us from having human, in-person connections. Peer-to-peer support, learning, and information sharing haven’t been available in our hospitals.
The BC Renal Home Hemodialysis Committee realized this gap during the pandemic, and through the video series wanted to create opportunities for patients to speak to other patients about their experiences, using a storytelling approach.
Storytelling is human. We learn through stories, and we use them to make sense of our lives, so we chose this approach to have a more memorable impact.
The videos are enabling us to bring the patient voice to our teaching in the BC Renal network’s home dialysis units and kidney care clinics around the province and via our patient education webinars.
We have found that the magic of stories lies in the relatability they foster. The possibilities for integrating storytelling into clinical practice are powerful, and often patients want relatability.
The anticipated benefits are to engage patients through storytelling. We know from testing the videos with patient partners that not only does a narrative video help patients receive essential information about home therapies, but it also provides an important emotional touchpoint. Patients realize they aren't alone and can benefit from what their peers have already been through.
Challenges: The most challenging part about creating this video series was the COVID protocols. Some of the filming had to be done outside, which was weather dependant. We wanted to highlight a home dialysis training unit; however, visitors are not allowed in hospitals.
Tips: Recording "Zoom" like interviews made the videos real - a glimpse into people's homes - you can tell that the videos are not scripted or staged. Narrative storytelling is authentic and powerful.
Patient stories offer valuable insights: they have the power to inspire, humanize, and change assumptions. Stories provide a thoughtful way to bridge the gap between clinical information and the lived experience – they provide a more holistic view of health care that includes the patient's journey.
It was an absolute joy to be a part of something that celebrated patient success and the pleasure of being at home.
I want to extend a big thank you to all of our patients throughout BC who shared their journey with our team. Special thanks also to Shannon Humchitt, Dr. Michael Copland and Dr. Suneet Singh. I also want to thank the nurses who helped coordinate the patient interviews, and videographer, Kevin Noel. Everyone’s contributions are greatly appreciated.
