MyKidneyCoach, Patient Activation, and Clinical Outcomes in Diverse Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Randomized Control Pilot Trial

Lifestyle interventions delivered by eHealth in chronic kidney disease: A scoping review

A method of overcoming barriers associated with implementing lifestyle interventions in CKD may be through the use of eHealth technologies. The aim of this review was to provide an up-to-date overview of the literature on this topic. Four bibliographical databases, two trial registers, and one database for conference proceedings were searched from inception to August 2023. Studies were eligible if they reported a lifestyle intervention using eHealth technologies. A narrative synthesis of the findings from the included studies structured around the type of eHealth intervention was presented. Where a sufficient number of studies overlapped in terms of the type of intervention and outcome measure these were brought together in a direction of effect plot. There were 54 included articles, of which 23 were randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The main component of the intervention for the included studies was mobile applications (n = 23), with the majority being in the dialysis population (n = 22). The majority of eHealth interventions were reported to be feasible and acceptable to participants. However, there was limited evidence that they were efficacious in improving clinical outcomes with the exception of blood pressure, intradialytic weight gain, potassium, and sodium. Although eHealth interventions appear acceptable and feasible to participants, there is insufficient evidence to make recommendations for specific interventions to be implemented into clinical care. Properly powered RCTs which not only demonstrate efficacy, but also address barriers to implementation are needed to enhance widespread adoption.

Technological Innovations to Improve Patient Engagement in Nephrology

Technological innovation has accelerated exponentially over the last 2 decades. From the rise of smartphones and social media in the early 2000s to the mainstream accessibility of artificial intelligence (AI) in 2023, digital advancements have transformed the way we live and work. These innovations have permeated health care, covering a spectrum of applications from virtual reality training platforms to AI-powered clinical decision support tools. In this review, we explore fascinating recent innovations that have and can facilitate patient engagement in nephrology. These include integrated care mobile applications, wearable health monitoring tools, virtual/augmented reality consultation and education platforms, AI-powered appointment booking systems, and patient information tools. We also discuss potential pitfalls in implementation and paradigms to adopt that may protect patients from unintended consequences of being cared for in a digitalized health care system.