Alena Paříková (Czech Republic)

As representative for Eastern Europe in the ISPD Council, I know the needs of our region. Home dialysis is underutilized in our countries. Thanks to historical events, patients and physicians are used to immediate control of treatment. Freedom, which is one of the important benefits of the treatment, is at the same time a barrier to the spread of the method for both patients and doctors. I consider lack of education, experience with peritoneal dialysis, excessive fears and prejudices as the main problems that hinder the expansion of PD.
My goal will be to expand educational programs sponsored by ISPD to countries in our region. To enable PD leaders to meet with physicians in these countries and to provide access and physician awareness to already established educational opportunities. To strengthen clinical skills, creating an environment to share experiences in our region.
My specific goals for Eastern Europe would be to put more emphasis on the art of modern PD, such as discussion of treatment with patients, individualization of treatment, and last but not least the importance of prevention of overhydration, which is much more important than the small solute clearance.