Abstract: TH-PO794
Attitudes of Dialysis Patients to Information Technology: Disinterest or Overload?
Session Information
- Dialysis: Epidemiology, Outcomes, Clinical Trials - Non-Cardiovascular - I
November 02, 2017 | Location: Hall H, Morial Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Category: Dialysis
- 607 Dialysis: Epidemiology, Outcomes, Clinical Trials - Non-Cardiovascular
Authors
- Iluyomade, Anthony F., University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, United States
- Chin, Andrew I., University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States
Background
The utilization of information technology in enhancing the delivery of healthcare is becoming ubiquitous. Dialysis patients tend to have access to a number of technologies ( smart phones, computers e.t.c) and utilize these as an essential part of their daily lives. The question is whether these patients would be interested in incorporating their devices in their overall dialysis and medical care.
Methods
This is an English-language, 1 page questionnaire-based study, of prevalent in-center adult HD patients from 5 clinics in an urban Northern California city. The questionnaires were answered by the patients or read to them and filled out by a nurse. All questionnaires were completed within a one-month period.
The questionnaire consisted of 7 “yes or no” questions related to: 1) access to text messages; 2) access to “smart phone” and computer technologies; and 3) willingness to use or receive information on these devices.
Results
Out of a population of 355 in-center HD patients, 245 (69%) completed the questionnaire. In total, 194 patients (79%) could potentially receive text messages; 160 patients (65%) had a phone that could receive text messages. An additional 34 patients had a caregiver who could receive texts. When asked if they would like to receive text message about upcoming medical appointments or dietary reminders such as to take oral phosphate binders, only 90 patients who had access to texts (46%) would be willing to participate.
When asked about access to a “smart device” or computer for viewing educational materials, 106 patients (43%) had a “smart phone”, 38 patients (16%) had a caregiver with a smart phone, and 22 (9%) had access to only a computer. Therefore, 166 (68%) had potential to view educational materials related to diet and overall health on HD, if they brought their device into the clinic. However, when asked if willing to view such videos, only 80 (48% of those with access) indicated a desire to do so.
Conclusion
Most of our in-center HD patients (or through their caregivers) were able to receive text messages for appointment, medication or dietary reminders. However, more than half of the patients who had access to these technologies desire not to participate. This attenuates the main goal of integrating technology platform in dialysis patients care and more research is needed in this regard to fully understand their perceptions of such integration.