Abstract: FR-PO1092
Visual Interactive Three-Dimensional (3D) Augmented Reality to Target Health Literacy Disparities and Integrate Home-Dialysis Use
Session Information
- Home Dialysis: Modalities, Barriers, Utilization, and Clinical Outcomes
October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 802 Dialysis: Home Dialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors
- Sonar, Nirmay, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Bhaskar, Mayurika, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Greenberg, Keiko I., MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Choi, Michael J., MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Han, Karina, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Abbott, Kevin C., MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Pourafshar, Negiin, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Background
The transition from CKD to ESKD is a critical period in which inadequate patient education compounds anxiety and impedes home modality adoption. Traditional education falls short, leaving patients vulnerable to recurrent healthcare utilization and higher morbidity. Augmented Reality addresses this gap by using interactive 3D animations, transforming abstract mechanics into explorable experiences. This ongoing QI project evaluates whether an AR intervention improves self-efficacy, objective knowledge retention, and home-dialysis readiness in advanced CKD and incident ESKD.
Methods
This prospective QI project targets 60 participants in a nephrology clinic with findings on the first 23. Eligible adults had CKD4/5 or incident ESKD. Participants engaged with a 3D model of HD or PD. Understanding of concepts was measured by four paired pre/post Visual Analog Scale items (VAS 0–10; cumulative 0–40): how dialysis modality clears toxins, treatment schedule, complication awareness, confidence in managing care, and home-dialysis intent. Paired t-tests compared pre/post scores; subgroup stratified by CKD stage and education. The pre-specified significant improvement in score was ≥8 points
Results
The AR intervention produced a mean absolute change in knowledge scores of +8.7 ±4.7 points, a 55.3% relative increase exceeding the pre-specified target. Home dialysis intent increased from 58% to 74%. Relative gains were more among those with a HS/GED (68.6%) vs college peers (42.4%).
Conclusion
In this preliminary cohort, AR can serve as a health literacy equalizer, with intent for home dialysis. Integrating 3D AR into nephrology workflows offers a scalable educational tool and further investigation with full enrollment may determine the full clinical impact.
Acknowledgment
We would like to acknowledge our team in their contributions
NS - design of the 3D model and study design, data collection
NP - formatting, abstract structure, review
MB - data collection
KG - design of 3D model, review, data collection
KA - design of questionaire, review
MC - design of 3D model, review
We also acknowledge our patients for their time and contributions, our clinic staff and professionals in Nephrology whose additional input has been valuable
Augmented Reality Models developed for this project
Preliminary Cohort Results