Incorporating digital platforms into nutritional care in chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Digital health is increasingly recognized for its value to enhance patient care and clinical care processes. People with chronic kidney disease often find dietary self‐management challenging. There is promising evidence that digital health interventions can support people with chronic kidney disease to self‐manage their diet, by providing more frequent access to nutritional information and dietitians and by facilitating regular monitoring and feedback. There is some emerging evidence of the impact of digital interventions in chronic kidney disease; however, more research is needed to provide meaningful interpretation of how digital interventions can enhance current practice. Importantly, a number of factors need to be considered when designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating the impact of digital interventions. Consideration of the nutrition service and patients' needs, motivation and digital literacy, type of digital intervention, and the ability to embed the digital intervention into current care processes are critical. This paper overviews the current literature on digital health and self‐management, factors to consider when embedding digital interventions and platforms into nutrition care and practical considerations for designing and implementing digital health interventions to enhance the nutritional care of people with chronic kidney disease.

Can Telehealth Improve Access to Dietary Management in Patients Receiving Dialysis? Insights from Consumers

“…Furthermore, design features that increase patient usability, optimise efficacy, and are supported by theories of behaviour change, are important to consider at inception [ 31 ]. Whilst digital nutritional counselling appears to be promising and with mobile phone ownership being high (84%) in patients with CKD, patient implementation and evaluation are stressed as being part of the development process [ 32 ].…”

Digital health technologies to support medication adherence in chronic kidney disease

“…There are challenges and risks of eHealth interventions that require consideration and mitigation at the patient, clinician and health system levels 50 . At a patient level, privacy is a key concern, with a need for careful data management protocols to prevent breaches of confidentiality 51 .…”

“…There are challenges and risks of eHealth interventions that require consideration and mitigation at the patient, clinician and health system levels. 50 At a patient level, privacy is a key concern, with a need for careful data management protocols to prevent breaches of confidentiality. 51 It is also possible that interventions could pose a small risk of harm, as generic health messaging may not be sufficiently tailored to individual patients, and often needs to be expressed with few words and limited context, introducing the possibility of safety issues.…”

Current Controversies in Kidney Nutrition

“…Digital health resources have the potential to greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of diet therapy in people with kidney failure undergoing dialysis treatment. Dawson et al [8] describe key barriers, limitations, and considerations in the use of digital health resources, as well as the available evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of technology-supported dietary interventions in people with kidney disease. Their article provides valuable practical guidance for those interested in incorporating digital health into research and/or practice.…”