The Kidney Foundation of Canada is proud to announce that its Living with Reduced Kidney Function patient handbook is now available digitally in Arabic.
The patient handbooks are an important resource provided to newly diagnosed kidney patients across the country. The resource helps people affected by kidney disease and their families understand what it means to be diagnosed and navigate their options so they can make informed decisions about their treatment.
“When people first learn they have kidney disease, they’re often frightened, not sure of what is going on, or what they can expect. I encourage them to as informed as possible and resources like the patient handbooks and brochures are an important way to learn more about the disease,” said social worker Soraya Allibhai.
The Living with Reduced Kidney Function patient handbook is available in English, French, Punjabi, Simplified and Traditional Chinese and now digitally in Arabic. “Information is key; having resources in multiple languages is extremely beneficial and we see that when patients and caregivers are better informed, they’re poised to ask better questions and are better equipped to manage kidney disease,” Allibhai added.
The Handbooks, provided free of charge to patients, are typically distributed to patients through healthcare professionals working in renal units.
“Everyone deserves access to information and support that feels relevant,” said Craig Lindsay the Director of Programs and Public Policy at The Kidney Foundation of Canada - Ontario Branch, when people see themselves reflected in a resource, they are more likely to engage and trust the information if provides, he added.
The handbooks feature colour-coded chapters with helpful tips, highlights, pictures, icons, space for notes and a summary of key points to make it easier to find the information. This handbook includes some action-planning tools and log sheets where people can record important information about various aspects of their health and treatment. There is a glossary, which includes words and terms found in the text, and a medication chart at the back of the book.
The translation of the handbook was made possible through gaming revenue raised through the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association. “We’re grateful for the support of our BINGO partner – Bingoland Gaming Centre– for their support,” said Jennifer Heale, Eastern Ontario Regional Manager for The Kidney Foundation. “This resource will help support the growing Arab-speaking population in Ottawa and beyond. Making information accessible will help our community manage their kidney health early in hopes of preserving their kidney function and delaying the need for dialysis,” she added.
