Remote monitoring for continuous peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

Peritoneal dialysis affords patients the luxury of independence and with this an improved quality of life. However, patients on peritoneal dialysis still require monthly visits with the care team to assess the quality of therapy (volume and blood pressure control, solute clearance, attainment of metabolic goals, and others). Furthermore, a critical aspect of therapy is that the patient must actively monitor their therapy with daily recordings of weight, blood pressure, and fluid removal. Remote monitoring of the patient on peritoneal dialysis offers the benefits of real-time monitoring and recording of the therapy as well as an interactive interface with the care team that may allow both acute 'trouble shooting' for problems as well as a means to interact with the patient for their monthly evaluation. This remote monitoring allows assurance of patient safety through surveillance of critical portions of the treatment as well as the ability to monitor compliance with prescribed therapy and automated collection of treatment data. Recent advances in telemedicine, telemonitoring, remote network access and sensor technologies have made such remote monitoring of peritoneal dialysis therapy feasible.