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Editorial
. 2023 Dec 8;17(1):sfad299.
doi: 10.1093/ckj/sfad299. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Nephrology Partnership for Advancing Technology in Healthcare (N-PATH) program: the teachers' perspective

Carlo Lomonte  1 , Michele Rossini  2 , Jose Ibeas  3 , Mauro Forcella  4 , Jadranka Buturovic Ponikvar  5 , Maurizio Gallieni  6 , Roberto Russo  2 , Dimitrios Goumenos  7 , Vladimir Tesar  8 , Zdenka Hruskova  8 , Joris Roelofs  9 , Sandrine Florquin  9 , Maarten Snoeijs  10 , Antonio Giusto  2 , David Shemesh  11 , Joris Rotmans  12 , Roser Torra  13 , Christoph Wanner  14 , Loreto Gesualdo  2
Affiliations
Editorial

Nephrology Partnership for Advancing Technology in Healthcare (N-PATH) program: the teachers' perspective

Carlo Lomonte et al. Clin Kidney J. .

Abstract

The N-PATH (Nephrology Partnership for Advancing Technology in Healthcare) program concluded with the 60th European Renal Association 2023 Congress in Milan, Italy. This collaborative initiative aimed to provide advanced training in interventional nephrology to young European nephrologists. Funded by Erasmus+ Knowledge Alliance, N-PATH addressed the global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the shortage of nephrologists. CKD affects >850 million people worldwide, yet nephrology struggles to attract medical talent, leading to unfilled positions in residency programs. To address this, N-PATH focused on enhancing nephrology education through four specialized modules: renal expert in renal pathology (ReMAP), renal expert in vascular access (ReVAC), renal expert in medical ultrasound (ReMUS) and renal expert in peritoneal dialysis (RePED). ReMAP emphasized the importance of kidney biopsy in nephrology diagnosis and treatment, providing theoretical knowledge and hands-on training. ReVAC centred on vascular access in haemodialysis, teaching trainees about different access types, placement techniques and managing complications. ReMUS recognized the significance of ultrasound in nephrology, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and preparing nephrologists for comprehensive patient care. RePED addressed chronic peritoneal dialysis, offering comprehensive training in patient selection, prescription, monitoring, complications and surgical techniques for catheter insertion. Overall, N-PATH's strategy involved collaborative networks, hands-on training, mentorship, an interdisciplinary approach and the integration of emerging technologies. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, N-PATH aimed to revitalize interest in nephrology and prepare proficient nephrologists to tackle the challenges of kidney diseases. In conclusion, the N-PATH program aimed to address the shortage of nephrologists and improve the quality of nephrology care in Europe. By providing specialized training, fostering collaboration and promoting patient-centred care, N-PATH aimed to inspire future nephrology professionals to meet the growing healthcare demands related to kidney diseases and elevate the specialty's status within the medical community.

Keywords: N-PATH; educational; hands-on training; interventional nephrology; simulation training.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
N-PATH during the 60th ERA Congress in Milan, Italy.
Figure 2:
Figure 2:
N-PATH website.
Figure 3:
Figure 3:
N-PATH training approaches.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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