
Facility Peers in Action
Qsource ESRD Networks have always been dedicated to improving the quality of life for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients. One of the greatest ways the Networks are effective in doing this is highlighting the importance of the patient voice. Research tells us that patients who are knowledgeable about their disease and participate in their healthcare have better health outcomes. Qsource ESRD Networks recognize that patients feel peer-to-peer communication is one of the most valuable ways to share this knowledge. In an effort to have patients and staff work with us to improve facility culture and communication, Qsource ESRD Networks have created the Facility Peers in Action program.
The Facility Peers in Action program provides an avenue to increase communication among patients, facility staff and the Networks. The Facility Peers in Action program aims to provide patient-to-patient support, help establish bridges of communication between patients and staff, as well as help facilities meet some of the patient participation requirements in the Conditions for Coverage (CfC). Ultimately, it will help the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) better understand patient and facility needs. CMS will look to the Peers in Action to provide the patient viewpoint on topics of special interest to both patients and facilities.
By launching the Peers in Action program, the Networks seek to provide innovative ways to increase patient education, patient engagement and facility involvement. We will work with Peers in Action and Facility Staff Coordinators to develop educational resources and to learn the best practices needed for patients to live well with kidney disease.
Download: Building a Bridge
Program Resources
Download: Facility Peers in Action Program Flyer
Download: Peer Connection Call Schedule
Download: 2025 Peer Connection Call Schedule
Download: Peers in Action Bulletin Board Kit
Download: Facility Peers in Action Sign-Up Form
Download: Peer in Action Medical Attestation
Download: Peer in Action Conversation Starters
Program Structure & Participant Roles
Program Structure
Overall, the PEERS in Action program has two key individuals in each dialysis facility, the PEERS in Action representative and the Facility Staff Coordinator (FSC). For patients that may need help to be part of the program, family members, or caregivers, as spokespersons are welcome.
The PEERS in Action and the Staff Coordinator will provide information and resources to patients, their families, and caregivers to help them become active with their treatment and advocates in their healthcare. This will help empower patients with knowledge, enhancing their coping skills and quality of life.
In addition, the facility may wish to add Shift Spokespersons to talk with patients who are on different shifts than the PEERS in Action. The PEERS will work with the Staff Coordinator to secure shift representatives and develop a facility-wide communication program for patients, family members and caregivers.