Workshops

About the Transplant Companions Workshops

The Transplant Companions program is based on a small group learning model. Its core lies in its free interactive workshops led by a renal health care professional and a patient who has experienced a transplant.

These unique workshops are the cornerstone of the Transplant Companions program and help fulfill the need for credible information and support for renal patients considering the option of having a transplant. The workshop setting fosters a relaxed atmosphere that allows patients to comfortably ask questions while learning about kidney transplantation in a peer-supported environment.

Workshop group size generally ranges from 10 to 15 participants and workshops last from 1½ to 2 hours. The workshop format includes an interactive presentation by one or more health care professional facilitators, followed by a testimonial from a kidney recipient who shares his or her own experiences with kidney transplantation. A group discussion and question period concludes the session.

Workshop topics covered include:

• How to prepare for a kidney transplant
• Details on the kidney donation and transplant process
• Details on the kidney donor and recipient selection process
• Information on the post-transplant lifestyle changes
• Information on post-transplant medications

Workshop participants also receive a free workbook called "Your Companion Workbook" containing information on the transplant process, as well as charts and exercises on preparing for a transplant and maintaining good health post-surgery.

How to attend a free Transplant Companions workshop

Interested in attending in a Transplant Companions workshop?

First, check the Participating Centres section to see if your transplant centre is currently participating in the program.

If yours is a participating centre, refer to the contact information provided or contact the renal transplant nurse coordinator. He/she will be able to give you more information on the program, discuss your potential participation, provide you with the date of the next workshop at your centre, and register you for the workshop.

If yours is not a participating centre, ask your renal care team whether they plan to enroll in the Transplant Companions Program, or if there are other educational options available to you.