MADISON, Wis.—In response to popular demand, the 3-minute multi-media movie called "Let's Talk About...Dialysis Options" is now available on DVD.

The DVD—with English and Spanish versions in single-play and loop-play configurations—can be ordered for $10 (including shipping) at www.lifeoptions.org/letstalk. The movie is still available to watch free on the Life Options website in English and Spanish.

About the movie

"Ninety-two percent of U.S. dialysis patients use standard in-center hemodialysis when other options might help them feel better and have more active lifestyles. We created this movie to help people with kidney failure learn about different ways to do dialysis," explained MEI Executive Director Dori Schatell.

The movie quickly and graphically explains:

• Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
• The impact of treatment options on lifestyle, symptoms and quality of life
• Benefits of PD and longer and/or more-frequent hemodialysis
• Home treatment as a practical choice

Informing Patients About Options

The CMS Conditions for Coverage require dialysis clinics to educate people with kidney failure about all of their treatment options and where to get them. Yet, a recent survey by the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) of dialysis patients reported that one-third of respondents felt "home therapies were not equally and fairly presented as treatment options." About the same number said they "were never told about home treatment options."

Informing Patients About Options

The "Let's Talk About...Dialysis Options" movie can help. Dialysis staff can use the new movie to start a conversation with patients about the full range of treatment options. The movie can be played on a DVD player, viewed on a computer, or watched on a mobile device at www.youtu.be/LAjgYJxA4CI. The link can also be shared in email. Funding was provided in part by an educational grant from Amgen.

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