| Theme |
Current topics in medical engineering technologies for dialysis therapy |
| Title |
Telemedicine in peritoneal dialysis |
| Author |
Hironori Kobayashi |
Department of Nephrology, Tokyo Medical University |
| Author |
Koki Abe |
Department of Nephrology, Tokyo Medical University |
| [ Summary ] |
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a form of home treatment that requires less frequent visits to healthcare facilities compared to hemodialysis. Highly useful in regions with vast medical care zones such as Hokkaido and areas with many isolated islands, PD is actually used by a higher percentage of patients in these regions. It is, however, difficult to monitor patients and provide speedy initial responses if any trouble occurs. Since 2018, a new automated PD system has been made available. This system, used in combination with "Sharesource," has enabled healthcare providers to monitor the patient's condition on the internet in the course of treatment and even change the system settings following prescription changes through remote control via the internet. In telemedicine for PD, the use of Sharesource is expected to offer an easier and more convenient means of patient monitoring and management. |