A remote management program in automated peritoneal dialysis patients in Colombia

Background: Remote monitoring technology that is specifically designed to be integrated into automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) systems gives both patients and their clinical team a powerful tool that can enhance communication, potentially improve adherence to the treatment, optimize fluid balance, and address potential complications of therapy in near real time. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the implementation and early stages of an APD remote monitoring program as well as some early outcomes associated with this program. Methods: A cross-sectional study in incident and prevalent APD patients older than 18 years, who utilized remote monitoring and was enrolled to Renal Therapy Services Colombia network during the period from January 1 to December 31, 2017. For the analysis, we used descriptive statistics. Results: A program was implemented to provide training in the operation of both the device and the remote monitoring platform. Monitoring indicators were identified for the remote monitoring program to improve the safety and quality of the treatment; these indicators refer to characteristics of the APD prescription, adherence to the APD prescription, and blood pressure control. The adherence to APD treatment was 90.1%. Conclusions: A remote monitoring program for APD patients may be easily and efficiently implemented in health-care settings and may become a useful tool for the continuous improvement of the therapy through the development and monitoring of key clinical indicators.