The month of August in Kuala Lumpur was marked by an event of utmost importance in the Malaysian nephrology scene–the National Kidney Foundation’s (NKF) ADC 2023 which was held at the Connexion Conference & Event Centre (CCEC) in Bangsar South City. The conference, which was held on 5-6 August 2023, centered around the theme of patient care. It aimed to provide a platform for dialysis healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds to share their expertise and insights on patient-centered care. The conference was well attended, with 493 participants from various specialties and regions. Overall, it was a successful event that fostered collaboration and knowledge-sharing among healthcare professionals.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 17TH ADC 2023

“The well-being of kidney patients cannot be taken lightly. The assistance provided by NKF will help meet the needs of kidney patients especially since this is a growing issue around the world, including Malaysia. I applaud the initiatives by NKF Malaysia. It aligns with the Ministry of Health’s call for a more effective partnership between industry, NGOs and the public sector. I look forward to seeing more of this kind of initiative to help low-income patients and reduce the burden of the disease.” said Dr. Nor Hayati binti Ibrahim, Senior Deputy Director of the Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia during the opening ceremony.

“We operate 29 Haemodialysis Centres nationwide treating more than 1,700 patients who are either fully or partially subsidised. We also support other forms of treatment for kidney failure such as Peritoneal Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation. We spend close to RM50 million a year on all our activities. Thanks to the Malaysian public’s generosity, we have grown and expanded our activities year after year,” said Dato’ Dr. Zaki Morad Mohd Zaher, Chairman of the Board of Directors, NKF.

SHIFTING THE FOCUS: “FROM PATIENT-CENTRED TO PERSON CENTRED CARE IN DIALYSIS”

This compelling topic was systematically dissected across six symposiums and four plenaries.

In its depth and breadth, the event covered an array of subjects from the intricate nuances of person-centred care in dialysis, funding dynamics for dialysis treatments, the pivotal moments that mark the initiation of dialysis, the transformative impact of technology on patient outcomes, to critical considerations for haemodialysis access and the long-term management of patients on dialysis.

GATHERING MINDS, MELDING EXPERTISE

The event’s turnout was both commendable and promising with inclusion of Nephrologists, Medical Doctors, Medical Assistants, Nurses, and Centre Managers, among others. This diverse group of professionals exchanged invaluable insights, reinforcing the essence of patient-centered care and setting new benchmarks in the domain of dialysis.

“Patients on dialysis are in complete reliance on a machine, a procedure and a group of qualified medical professionals for the rest of their lives. A multidisciplinary team effort is often needed in the management of such patients. Continuous learning through a conference like this ADC is important to ensure that medical professionals are equipped with up-to-date skills and knowledge,” said Dr. Thiruventhiran, Organising Chairperson ADC 2023 and Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, NKF. The scientific committee, under the leadership of Dr. Mohamad Zaimi, brought experts in the field of nephrology and its allied fields to update attendees on the latest practices in managing dialysis patients.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Such an event is not brought to life without the concerted effort of numerous individuals and organizations. Ms. Khor Xin Yun, Chief Executive Officer of NKF extended heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors and media, who played an instrumental role in the conference’s success and also to the attendees whose participation and engagement enriched the discourse and paved the way for future collaborations.

In summary, the 17th ADC 2023 stands as a testament to NKF’s relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care. NKF looks forward to the next ADC and remains committed to fostering a culture of learning, growth, and exchange of knowledge in the realm of nephrology and dialysis patient care.

Click here to view photos of ADC 2023