The use of group process in the education of renal patients and families: a multi-centred collaborative approach.

As health care systems are redefined in the 1990s, and as resources decrease, group work is effective as an intervention. Social workers from three acute care hospitals utilized group process as the primary theoretical framework to develop a four-week education/support program for renal patients and families. In collaboration with other health care team members, program format and content were defined within a group development model. In addition, an understanding of the adjustment process, and educational and emotional needs of group participants were inherent in the planning. Interdisciplinary team members from three centres shared responsibility for the agenda which created greater investment and ownership. Evaluation of the program incorporated patient and family feedback from each session and, as a result, content was further developed and refined. This collaborative approach has become a standard component of renal care in the community. However, the integrity of each centre's nephrology program has been maintained. This article describes an educational program for renal patients and families which was developed collaboratively by three nephrology programs. Data collected from 1993 to 1997 have been incorporated.