Do you know exactly how you would improve patient care if you had the opportunity and money to do so? If you have an idea, now is the time to make it a reality. The Division of Nephrology is accepting applications for 2018 Renal Staff Microgrant program.
The funding will provide resources for staff in our outpatient clinics, the Forest Park dialysis unit and the Chromalloy dialysis unit to undertake new projects that improve the care and experience of our patients.
Projects funded in the past have varied in nature but have all served to educate and help improve patients’ lives.
In 2017, one of the funded projects, helmed by Patty Anderson RN, Nurse Administrator, Lori Gawat-Abuelo RN, Staff Nurse II, and George Jarad, MD, helped purchase laptops, medication organizers and measuring bottles to help improve patient adherence to medications, diet and fluid restriction.
A second grant, awarded to Connie Mayo RN, Michelle Bloom RN, Lois Seibel RN, Cheryl Land RN, Vicky Stringer LCSW, and Will Ross, MD, ensured the continuation of a project to provide education and the availability of digital home blood pressure monitors for low income patients in the Renal Clinic. In addition, patients were provided pill planners to help simplify medication management for themselves, family members and caregivers.
The third grant funded last year was awarded to Jean Audrain RN, Rebecca Cusanelli RN, Sue Dombek RN, Brittany Heady PA, Joanne Lauber RN, Helen Wijeweera NP, Daniel Coyne MD and Rowena Delos Santos MD for the development of a web page to educate patients about clinical research and provide information on current clinical studies that are actively enrolling patients. This web page, Clinical Trials, is now up and running as part of the Division of Nephrology website. An introduction to the Nephrology Clinical Trials staff is also provided.
In 2016, awarded grants were: Improving Patient Education in the Renal Clinic, Educational Videos Discussing Home Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis, Decreasing Catheter Related Blood Stream Infections, and Home BP Program for Low Income Renal Clinic Patients.
In the current funding cycle, the division will fund up to three grants at a maximum of $5,000 total direct costs per year each. The proposal must include a team consisting of at least one staff member, and one senior staff member or faculty mentor from the Division of Nephrology.
The application deadline is 5:00 PM, Thursday, March 1, 2018. Applications are to be sent via email to Virginia Kelly (virginia.kelly@wustl.edu). Awardees will be announced on or around April 1, 2018.
Full details on grant details and application process can be found here.
Inquiries regarding the Renal Microgrant Grant Program should be directed to Dr. Benjamin Humphreys at (314) 362-8233 or humphreysbd@wustl.edu.