ASCENTToTransplant.org

The Problem

  • More than 700,000 patients have end-stage renal disease in the United States
  • Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease for most patients, offering longer survival and better quality of life than dialysis
  • The prevalence of end-stage renal disease is ~4 times higher among African Americans vs. whites
  • However, African Americans have reduced access to transplant compared to white patients

About ASCENT

Allocation System Changes for Equity in kidNey Transplantation (ASCENT) is intended to educate end-stage renal disease patients, their families, and dialysis facility staff and providers about kidney transplantation and the 2014 change in the national kidney allocation policy. Our multidisciplinary advisory board, which included patients, providers, researchers, and representatives from national organizations, developed the following education materials, most of which are available here for you to use:

    • a patient-focused video to inform patients and their families about transplantation and to motivate them to discuss the option of transplant with their providers
    • a healthcare provider-focused video to inform dialysis facility staff about how they can help patients navigate the kidney transplant process
    • a webinar for dialysis facility medical directors and staff to learn about the change in the new kidney allocation policy and how it impacts their dialysis patient population
    • a transplant performance feedback report for dialysis facility medical directors regarding waitlisting for kidney transplant

Our Videos

For Patients
For Staff