Abstract: SA-PO031
A Novel Smartphone-Based Self-Management System for Hemodialysis Patients
Session Information
- Educational Research
November 09, 2019 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 800 Educational Research
Authors
- Al-Rabadi, Laith, University of Utah, Salt Lake, Utah, United States
- Giahi, Pamela, University of Utah, Salt Lake, Utah, United States
- Sang, Yuanrui, University of Utah, Salt Lake, Utah, United States
- Liao, Sherry, University of Utah, Salt Lake, Utah, United States
- Nkoy, Flory, University of Utah, Salt Lake, Utah, United States
Group or Team Name
- Kidney Tracker
Background
Dialysis patients are commonly disengaged from hemodialysis their care. Evidence suggests that the care of patients with advanced CKD and ESRD does not optimize patient engagement. Lack of self-participation in dialysis care may worsen clinical cardiovascular outcomes and warrants the need to educate and engage patients. In particular, patient engagement is essential to achieve optimal fluid balance and avoid excessive fluid intake. Increasing patient active participation in their dialysis care through a digital health application can potentially improve the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Mobile app use among healthcare professional is still limited. Smartphone apps are deemed “useful tools at the point of care and in mobile clinical communication, as well as in remote patient monitoring and self-management of disease.” Utilization of digital health application in hemodialysis patients has not been explored yet. There is a lack of readily available and validated mobile apps for the HD population.
Methods
We performed 200 interviews with hemodialysis patients. Dedoose software was used for cording and conducting this qualitative research.Smartphone app (herein referred to as Kidney Tracker) was developed through feedback loops.
Results
The smartphone dialysis application proposed (Kidney Tracker) offers four main functions. The first function of the smartphone dialysis application is the dialysis tracking function. Data from the patient’s dialysis treatments will automatically be migrated to the fluid tracking function. The second function of the smartphone dialysis application, the fluid, and activity-tracking page, features intuitive fluid tracking that streamlines the tracking process. The third function of the smartphone dialysis application, the game function, offers awards and challenges that use game-design concepts to keep the patient engaged. The fourth function of the dialysis application is the direct patient to care provider contact function.
Conclusion
This is an innovative project that specifically targets HD patients and resulted in developing a smartphone app for use in this patient population. This digital health technology can be a very helpful tool in the dialysis setting.