Revolutionizing Dialysis Care: Telehealth's Leap Forward in Patient Management

If you or a loved one undergoes dialysis due to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), you probably know about the distressing symptoms that often come with it, such as fatigue, pain, and depression. With limited treatment options available, scientists are continuously trying to find effective ways to help dialysis patients manage these symptoms and improve their quality of life. In a recent study, a new approach was tested, and it showed promising results.

What was the Study About?

The researchers conducted a study with 160 adult dialysis patients from New Mexico and Pennsylvania, who experienced significant levels of fatigue, pain, or depression. They aimed to see whether a new telehealth-based intervention called Technology Assisted Stepped Collaborative Care (TĀCcare) could improve these symptoms. This study was published in the June 2023 issue of JAMA.

TĀCcare consists of twelve weekly sessions of psychological therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and/or medication adjustments delivered through telehealth, meaning via the internet. The therapy was given during dialysis sessions or at the patients' homes. The patients were compared to a control group, who received six sessions of health education through telehealth.

What were the Findings?

After three months, patients who received TĀCcare showed significant improvements in fatigue and pain levels compared to the control group. These positive effects lasted until six months. The improvement in depression was statistically significant but quite small. Importantly, the number of adverse events, like hospitalizations or severe health issues, were similar in both groups.

What does this Mean?

The results suggest that the TĀCcare approach could be a valuable treatment option for dialysis patients struggling with fatigue and pain. It highlights the potential of using telehealth as a tool to deliver effective interventions to manage these debilitating symptoms associated with dialysis.

This study is a stepping stone towards improving the quality of life for dialysis patients. As technology continues to develop, telehealth interventions like TĀCcare might become more common, providing patients with a practical and effective way to manage their symptoms.

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Reference

Effects of Technology Assisted Stepped Collaborative Care Intervention to Improve Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

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‍About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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