ALTITUDE DIALYSIS TRAINING CENTER

Representing a new approach to providing dialysis, Altitude Dialysis Aurora is a prototype renal care clinic that offers training for patients to use at-home dialysis machines.

The standard course of dialysis, a treatment that removes excess water, toxins, and other solutes from blood of those suffering acute kidney injury, is highly disruptive for patients. Standard dialysis involves a four-hour session received three times per week in an outpatient clinic setting. In contrast, at-home dialysis—which decreases time spent in clinical settings—is associated with better patient outcomes. Leveraging improvements in dialysis technology, the Altitude Dialysis Aurora Clinic will provide patients and their families with the training and equipment necessary to conduct at-home dialysis.

MOA worked closely with the Altitude Kidney Health team to understand how the design of the clinic’s space could best serve this educational function. Recognizing that patients must transfer their training from the clinic to their homes, the team designed the clinical den as a “living room” environment—a comfortable, open space that incorporates artwork, fabrics, and warm, natural colors. The selected materials balance this homey feel with the durability and cleanability required in a healthcare setting. The 6,000-SF tenant improvement includes 12 infusion bays, three training rooms, a Nephrology clinic with two exam rooms, a dedicated room for equipment-cleaning, teammate offices, and a waiting area. Because the clinic will limit exposure for at-risk patients, the City of Aurora identified the project as a COVID-19 priority and collaborated with MOA on an expedited permitting process.