Telehealth for Home Dialysis in COVID-19 and Beyond: A Perspective From the American Society of Nephrology COVID-19 Home Dialysis Subcommittee

Abstract

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Understanding the Impact of Initial COVID-19 Restrictions on Physical Activity, Wellbeing and Quality of Life in Shielding Adults with End-Stage Renal Disease in the United Kingdom Dialysing at Home versus In-Centre and Their Experiences with Telemedicine

“…Prior to COVID-19, the use of telemedicine to perform renal clinics was shown to be accepted by clinicians with benefits of reduced travel time, more efficient use of staff time, and a strong sense of job satisfaction being reported [ 62 ], akin to other clinical specialties [ 63 , 64 , 65 ]. A recent publication by the American Society of Nephrology outlined the expectation for telemedicine to remain within renal medicine in some form following the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions [ 66 ]. Moreover, a similar study conducted during COVID-19 in renal clinicians also reported widespread support for telemedicine, reporting more efficient use of staff time, reduced travel, peace of mind and a strong sense of job satisfaction [ 67 ].…”

Diagnosis of COVID-19, vitality of emerging technologies and preventive measures

“…implemented telemedicine consultation for radiation-oncology and effectively lessoned the in person visit from 100% to 21% [195] . The rapid developments in supportive technologies are the future of TM including POC diagnostics and laboratory measurements to care the patients effectively while staying at their home [196] .…”

Expanding Utilization of Home Dialysis: An Action Agenda From the First International Home Dialysis Roundtable

“…Some of these challenges include adequate provider, clinician, and patient education, access to telehealth technologies, a lack of home dialysis "champions," and a need to further empower and train patients and their caregivers to take an active role in their care. [29][30][31] Specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, some kidney disease leaders expressed concern that physicians were unable to conduct certain procedures required for the initiation of home dialysis, particularly PD due to regulatory constraints related to prioritization of catheter procedures. 32 As a consequence, candidates for PD are often forced, either to opt for in-center hemodialysis or postpone the start of a necessary treatment.…”