Telemedicine is a platform where patients get healthcare services remotely via telecommunications by experts. Telemedicine provides services related to different health issues by professionals. In the blog, we will discuss the role of Telemedicine platform in Providing Nephrology Care in Hospitals. First, we will discuss what Nephrology is.
What is Nephrology?
Nephrology is a branch of medical treatment that deals with the treatment of kidneys with proper diet and medication. It includes the study of the kidney, renal physiology, kidney disease, and preservation of kidney health. The doctor who engages in this branch is called a nephrologist. Nephrologists try to make kidneys healthy with proper diet and medication so that the problem of a kidney transplant will not occur.
Let’s go to the main topic of this blog.
As we know, what was the condition of hospitals during the pandemic of COVID-19? Hospitals were full of covid patients, and patients with different diseases were at risk of covid. Telemedicine, which was first thought of as a way to relieve the pressure on overworked healthcare systems, is today recognized as a practical and efficient method for managing many chronic health issues, including renal disease.
Telehealth has its share of difficulties and restrictions. However, when used properly with the necessary equipment and technologies, it may offer individuals with kidney illness, including those undergoing home dialysis, high levels of care and supervision. Additionally, telehealth can ease the lives of individuals who would have to travel great distances to see a nephrologist or track recovery from acute kidney injury.
Telehealth for Kidney Disease: When to Use It
Most frequently, when people hear the term “kidney disease,” they think of chronic kidney disease, a condition that worsens over time and causes the kidneys to become less effective at filtering blood as they should. However, nephrologists also treat acute kidney damage, commonly known as acute renal failure, which can appear out of nowhere for a variety of causes.
Telemedicine is most suitable for remotely monitoring the care of patients receiving treatment for chronic kidney disease or recuperating from acute kidney injury. Treatment, rehabilitation, observation, intervention, and consultation are all included in what is generally referred to as ambulatory care.
Even for those with advanced kidney disease who are receiving dialysis, telehealth cannot completely replace in-person therapy. However, telehealth techniques tailored to nephrology are even making it simpler to care for those patients from a distance.
Let’s see some services that Telemedicine provides for chronic kidney disease.
Telemedicine and chronic kidney disease
The people who live in rural areas have to travel far for the treatment of kidney disease. They have to spend a lot of money and time. But it can be reduced with the help of Telemedicine. The following are some services that Telemedicine provides to people who suffer from chronic kidney disease-
Preliminary consultations
It can take a while to diagnose CKD since it requires a combination of physical examination, risk factor evaluation, lab work, and imaging studies. Without requiring an in-person visit, Telemedicine enables medical professionals to assess the data after they have been collated and create a treatment plan remotely.
Glucose monitoring
The findings of glucose and hemoglobin A1C measurements can be sent to the telehealth provider either live or asynchronously via wearable glucose monitoring devices.
High blood pressure
Chronic kidney disease is primarily brought on by high blood pressure, and maintaining blood pressure control is essential to the treatment of the condition. During telemedicine appointment, wearable blood pressure monitoring devices can be connected to your smartphone to provide genuine readings.
Home dialysis
By offering real-time monitoring of vital signs and glycemic control, telemedicine enhances these services.
Postoperative rehabilitation
Immune system impairment and the need for immunosuppressants are inevitable in kidney transplant recipients in order to prevent organ rejection. Without placing the receiver in unnecessary danger of infection, telehealth enables multiple clinicians to take part in the rehabilitation process.
Let’s see some benefits and challenges of Telemedicine for people with kidney disease.
Benefits and challenges
Benefits
The following are some benefits of Telemedicine that offer to people who are suffering from kidney disease-
Convenience
It is far more convenient than traditional treatment. It reduces the overhead costs of treatment. You can get your treatment at your home. People with advanced chronic kidney disease who frequently have mobility issues may find it to be ideal. If one doesn’t feel well enough to travel, one is also less likely to miss appointments.
Option
Before, people had limited options for the nephrologist. They had to treat their kidney disease nearby a nephrologist. But now, people can get treatment from any nephrologist with the help of Telemedicine.
Safety
It is one of the important benefits of Telemedicine. In Hospitals, many types of patients come for treatment with different infections, which may harm the person suffering from kidney disease. Telemedicine maintains social distancing.
Cost
It is less expensive than traditional treatment. It reduces the cost of treatment. You don’t have to pay for hospital, traveling, food, etc.
Group teleconferencing
By allowing many physicians to participate in virtual appointments, telehealth can improve informed consent and cut down on confusion. Additionally, it permits the consultation to be observed by family members, close friends, or health advocates, particularly if the patient is weak.
Challenges
The following are some challenges for Telemedicine in Nephrology-
Lack of broadband access
As we know, Telemedicine works properly with the help of the Internet. The speed and maintenance of Internet services are good than before but not much good for this service. We need proper broadband access.
Diagnostic limitations
When telemedicine is utilized excessively, the symptoms of comorbidities like liver and heart disease, which are frequently present in persons with chronic renal disease, may be ignored.
Security
Even for individuals who don’t use the Internet frequently, internet security is still a problem. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ interim move to loosen HIPAA regulations and permit consultations using commonplace methods like Skype and Face Time may enhance access, but it also raises questions about privacy and data security.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed the role of Telemedicine in providing Nephrology care in Hospitals. We have discussed what Nephrology is, and its benefits & challenges with kidney disease.
