Living a fulfilling life with d.HOLIDAY
An interview with Elenor Mårtensson, Global Customer Manager at Diaverum
Across 23 countries and 350 clinics, Diaverum’s d.HOLIDAY programme offers a seamless dialysis experience for patients and their families. We caught up with Elenor Mårtensson, Global Customer Manager at Diaverum, who shared how the organisation is providing life-enhancing renal care through d.HOLIDAY, by focusing on understanding the emotional and practical needs of dialysis patients while travelling.
Can you give us a quick introduction to Diaverum’s d.HOLIDAY programme?
Our d.HOLIDAY programme assists patients in receiving haemodialysis treatment outside of their home clinic while travelling - whether it's for a short trip to a nearby town to visit family and friends, or for a longer holiday, ensuring continuity of care at their destination. The programme is currently available in 23 countries and approximately 350 clinics, ready to welcome patients and provide them with high quality and personalised care. We aim to be the service provider that offers the best possible holiday dialysis experience, by providing a unique end-to-end service for patients and their loved ones. We assist them at every step of the journey; from finding a clinic at their chosen destination, to making a treatment request, and finally arriving at the holiday clinic to receive their treatment.
How does dialysis impact the quality of life of patients and their loved ones, and how does that relate to your role?
One can empathise with the emotional burden and distress experienced by family members, but understanding the full extent of the impact that dialysis can have on a person’s life is a challenge, as it is a journey truly comprehended only by the patients themselves. However, observing the profound changes in someone's life and witnessing the loss of mobility, highlights the significant impact it has on individuals and their loved ones.
d.HOLIDAY enhances quality of life for dialysis patients, by giving them the opportunity to feel freedom. Everyone deserves a fulfilling life, and being able to travel is a big part of this.
My primary focus at Diaverum is to truly understand the emotions and needs of dialysis patients, and to use this information to continuously improve our services, ensuring that our programme serves as a valuable resource, empowering patients and their families to live fulfilling lives.
What, in your opinion, is the major benefit d.HOLIDAY offers to a patient?
The biggest benefit, in my opinion, is the ability to live life to the fullest; to meet with family members living in another city, or to go on a dream vacation, with the reassurance of knowing their dialysis needs will be covered. I am fully convinced this has a positive effect on patients, as it allows them to break their daily routine, see new things, and feel freedom.
In addition, d.HOLIDAY has a global network of Holiday Dialysis Coordinators, ready to guide patients through the process, from start to finish, which I believe is one of the crucial aspects of our programme. Travelling as a dialysis patient can be daunting, as it means leaving behind the familiar, but our Coordinators are ready to answer any questions they may have, and enhance their experience.
What are the three main tips you would give to a dialysis patient planning to travel?
Plan ahead: It's important for dialysis patients to plan well in advance, preferably at least few months ahead. This includes finding a suitable destination, locating a clinic, and initiating the transfer of medical documentation. Our Travel Guide can be a helpful resource in finding your destination and information on what to think about while planning.
Research your destination and don't hesitate to ask questions: Find out everything you can about your destination beforehand, identify attractions or activities you're interested in, and feel free to enquire about any concerns you may have. Asking questions can help alleviate any anxiety you might have about the trip.
Don’t forget to have fun: Whether it is a short trip to visit loved ones or a longer trip to an exciting destination, travel gives you the opportunity to create memories that you can carry with you long after. Experiencing new things, trying new activities and exploring new places, can give you immense joy and satisfaction. By taking the time to enjoy the present moment and create meaningful experiences, you will create beautiful memories that you can take back to your everyday life.
One last question – do you have any favourite holiday destinations, and could you share any recommendations for places to visit while travelling there?
I find it difficult to choose just one destination, but Rome in Italy is certainly among my favourites. It offers an incredibly rich culture with beautiful views and outstanding gastronomy. Additionally, it boasts a favourable climate, with hot summers and mild winters offering the opportunity to enjoy many experiences year-round. For me, Rome is a city where you step out the door and are surrounded by a plethora of attractions; the city's architecture and history are inspiring. If someone was in Rome for a day, I would suggest spending the whole day just sitting on a bench in this enchanting city, taking a stroll down to Fontana di Trevi, and enjoying a cup of sorbet at one of the many charming cafes.
