M BUDD1, R ROGERS1 K SOON-TAN1, GHELLEN2, M VARNFIELD3
1Metro South Health Service District, Logan Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland; 2Metro South Health Service District, Transformation and Innovation Collaborative; 3The Australian e-Health Research Centre, Health and Biosecurity, CSIRO, Brisbane, Queensland
Aim: To develop and research the effectiveness of a peritoneal dialysis (PD) app (PD-By) and web portal for patients and clinicians. This smartphone app will allow patients to record vital information such as prescription, ultrafiltration, blood pressure and weight. This information will be automatically uploaded to the web-portal for clinician access. With more accurate records it is envisioned that we will see more efficient and effective patient clinics, improved peritonitis rates and will help patients better manage their health in their own environment.
Background: Online health tracking is a relatively new innovation used to empower patients. Currently PD patients in our unit document vital health information in a simple exercise book, which is often incomplete or forgotten when a patient attends a PD clinic appointment. PD-BUDDy is an innovation being developed locally in collaboration with CSIRO to create the platform for patients on PD and their clinicians.
Methods: Pilot trial underway for six months using the app to determine the ease and feasibility of a smartphone application. 38 patients with a mean age of 56 years have been identified as suitable, 27% of participants are on CAPD with 73% on APD. On Average patients spend 113 minutes at each clinic appointment. Primary endpoints are reduction in consultation time by one third without increase in complication rates. Secondary endpoints will be patient satisfaction evaluated through questionnaire responses.
Conclusions: Innovation and communication in health care are essential. PD-BUDDy will streamline the way patients record and store information and will provide better communication and management of PD patients, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and extending their adverse event free time on the home-based therapy.