National healthcare systems play a vital role in delivering high-quality, accessible care. Yet the complexity and scale of these structures can, at times, make it challenging to offer truly person-centred support – particularly for individuals living with conditions like CKD, who often navigate multiple specialists and services throughout their journey. At Diaverum, we believe that transforming healthcare begins by asking a fundamental question - not just what we do or how we do it, but why. And for us, the answer is always the same: the person behind the diagnosis.
It is this belief that lies at the heart of the Patient Care Coordination (PCC) project in Spain – a shining example of how Diaverum can partner with healthcare systems to deliver more holistic, human-centred care. Developed by a passionate and skilled multidisciplinary team – comprising doctors, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists and social workers – the PCC project introduced an innovative model that addresses the full spectrum of a patient’s needs: physical, emotional, and social. It was recognised with the Inspiration Award, as a powerful reflection of our True care culture in action – and a standout example of what drives Diaverum to consistently deliver on our promise of life-enhancing renal care.
Read on to hear from Dr Shaira Martínez, Country Medical Director for Diaverum Spain, about how the team behind PCC came together to deliver this award-winning project.
From the very beginning of my training, I’ve been drawn to medicine’s power to alleviate suffering, improve quality of life, and - often - restore hope. Caring for people with CKD is to me, the ultimate expression of that purpose. Kidney failure presents a daily challenge that touches every aspect of a person’s life, physical, social and emotional; people living with CKD need and deserve more than medical treatment alone. This conviction is one I share with many like-minded colleagues across Diaverum Spain, and it’s what inspired the PCC project.
Launched in 2023 after many years of careful research and planning, the PCC project stems from a vision of a more human, more connected approach to care - one that would only be possible through collective effort and shared purpose. By daring to dream, and being grounded in the power of creating better together, we brought together a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists, and social workers.
Together, we developed a series of collaborative protocols designed to ensure consistency, open communication, and shared decision-making across every aspect of patient care. These protocols established a clear framework for how each discipline would contribute - aligning around patient goals, sharing insights in real time, and integrating our respective expertise into a single, unified care plan. This structured, team-based approach enabled us to move from isolated interventions to truly integrated care, where every professional’s perspective is valued and harmonised.
To reinforce and sustain this model, we also launched a scientific study to demonstrate the true impact of a holistic approach to renal care - not only to validate our work, but to ensure it could be scaled across the broader healthcare system. Our aim was to move beyond anecdotal evidence and provide measurable data showing that the integration of psychological, nutritional, social, and medical care leads to improved health outcomes, fewer hospitalisations, and greater patient satisfaction. Our findings confirmed what we believed; this approach benefits not only patients, but the healthcare system as a whole. That’s why we’re now focused on expanding the PCC project to more clinics and strengthening collaboration with our healthcare partners. We truly believe this model can lead as an example of how to care for people living with kidney disease. Because it works. And because it puts people first.
A typical day on our team includes multidisciplinary clinical sessions, personalised patient care, coordination with referral hospitals, and constant conversations about how to keep improving. The biggest challenge is keeping that coordination smooth across so many professionals and disciplines - but it's also our greatest strength. Open communication, structured planning, and the commitment of each team member have been key to our success. We all share one clear vision: to improve the patient’s quality of life. We also work closely with external partners - referral hospitals, pharmacies, and health authorities - to avoid unnecessary travel and streamline care.
It’s a team effort, inside and out. The outcomes have been incredibly rewarding. We’ve seen fewer hospitalisations, better patient adherence to treatment, and significantly increased patient satisfaction.
Receiving the Inspiration Award was a moment of deep pride and emotion for all of us. It recognised not only the project, but the competence, passion, and inspiration that made this teamwork possible. The concept of holistic care isn’t radical - it’s common sense. And it’s deeply aligned with our True care culture. It’s a mindset that shapes how we care for patients, so when we see it reflected elsewhere, it reinforces our belief that we’re moving in the right direction, together.
My greatest hope is that we see more initiatives like this across the Diaverum network and beyond - and that our story, and the journey that led to this award, can serve as tangible inspiration for others striving to make a meaningful impact.
Dr Shaira Martínez,
Country Medical Director for Diaverum Spain
Feeling inspired by our team? Browse openings via the Diaverum Careers page and become part of it!
