Following a two-year implementation phase funded by ASIF Foundation, the holistic care model pioneered by Le Van Thinh Hospital's Dialysis Department is making its way to major scientific forums. This milestone not only facilitates the exchange of professional expertise but also champions a truly patient-centered approach to kidney care.
When a Care Model Resonates with the Medical Community
For patients with chronic kidney disease, hemodialysis is an ongoing reality - a multi-day, years-long commitment. Beyond the immense physical toll, patients and their families grapple with emotional strain, financial burdens, long commutes, and profound isolation. The project "Supporting and Developing a Comprehensive Care Model for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Hemodialysis" was launched to address a fundamental question: How can we treat the whole person, rather than just managing clinical indicators on a machine?
In September 2026, the Le Van Thinh Hospital medical team introduced this model at two prominent events: the 2026 Annual Nephrology and Dialysis Conference and the hospital's own Annual Scientific Conference. Their presentations sparked dynamic discussions and resonated deeply with fellow experts. The consensus was clear: dialysis care must go beyond biological life support. Patients require compassionate accompaniment to uplift their mental well-being and comprehensively enhance their overall quality of life.
Key Milestones After Two Years
Two Clubs, Two Pillars of Support: The Patient Club has hosted four regular gatherings with over 600 attendees, providing a safe haven for patients to connect, learn, and combat the isolation of their treatment journey. Simultaneously, the Caregiver Club held four dedicated sessions, rooted in a simple truth: a healthy, supported caregiver is essential for effective patient outcomes.
Standardized Care Protocols: The project successfully implemented a comprehensive set of multidisciplinary care guidelines. This framework ensures clear, consistent collaboration across medical specialties and can be readily adapted and transferred to other healthcare facilities.
World-Class Professional Training: In partnership with the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, 30 healthcare professionals from five distinct specialties completed training in "Palliative Care and Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Chronic Diseases." Additionally, two lead physicians completed the Renal Supportive Care program at the National University of Singapore (NUS/Duke-NUS), laying a robust academic foundation for the model's sustainability.
Digital Healthcare Transformation: The Le Van Thinh Hospital Dialysis App is now live on both Google Play and the App Store. The app streamlines patient management by digitizing treatment histories and sending personalized schedule reminders. It also empowers patients with accessible knowledge via video lessons, infographics, and interactive quizzes covering nutrition, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
Leaving No One Behind: The Can Gio dialysis unit continues to operate smoothly. To bridge geographical divides, the project sponsors shuttle services that bring Can Gio patients and their families to regular club meetings, fostering community integration and reducing social isolation.
The Next Chapter: The 6th Annual Vietnam Dialysis Association Conference
The initiative's reach will expand further at the upcoming 6th Annual Scientific Conference of the Vietnam Dialysis Association, held October 23–24, 2026, in Da Nang. Le Van Thinh Hospital is slated to present two key reports:
- Multidisciplinary Care Model: Optimizing Dialysis Efficacy and Comprehensively Relieving the Burden on Patients and Relatives, presented by Dr. Tu Kim Thanh (BS.CKII).
- Evaluating the Impact of the Patient Club Model on the Quality of Life for Chronic Hemodialysis Patients at Le Van Thinh Hospital, presented by RN. Trinh Quang Huy (BSc.N).
The latter report is particularly significant. By offering concrete impact data alongside practical methodologies, it provides the evidence-based validation necessary for broader recognition and adoption within the medical community.
A Message from ASIF Foundation
For ASIF, funding is about more than financial resources; it is about partnering with dedicated professionals to transform a compassionate vision into a measurable, standardized, and scalable model. Showcasing this initiative at leading scientific forums is a testament to the relentless dedication of the Le Van Thinh Hospital Dialysis Department. We extend our deepest gratitude and congratulations to the doctors, nurses, patients, and families who have co-authored this remarkable journey.
We hope these shared insights inspire more medical institutions to embrace a common vision: No dialysis patient should ever have to walk this path alone.
