Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health concern, with many patients eventually needing dialysis or a kidney transplant. Managing chronic kidney disease is a challenge. It requires adherence to treatment plans, symptom tracking, diet modification, medication, and blood pressure and glucose control. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is one beneficial solution for chronic kidney disease patients and providers.
This article explores recent research on monitoring and managing chronic kidney disease with RPM.
Managing Chronic Kidney Disease with Multimorbidity
One difficulty many CKD patients face with managing chronic kidney disease is that they have more than one chronic illness. For example, patients may have diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. These conditions can both contribute to and result from kidney damage. When uncontrolled, they can continually worsen each other. For example, poorly managed blood sugar can strain organs such as the kidneys, and impaired kidney function makes it harder to regulate glucose levels. As CKD advances, excessive fluid and toxins accumulate, raising cardiovascular risk.
Blood Pressure Control
An important step in managing chronic kidney disease is controlling blood pressure. High blood pressure can constrict and narrow blood vessels, which can damage the kidneys. Maintaining blood pressure at or below a patient’s goal can help to protect the kidneys. That is why working with a physician on a treatment plan to meet blood pressure goals is vital. Treatment plans may include eating healthy, controlling sodium levels, quitting smoking, keeping active, getting enough sleep, taking medication, and monitoring blood pressure.
Blood Glucose Control
Checking blood glucose levels regularly is also essential in managing chronic kidney disease. Frequent glucose monitoring can help guide food, activity, and medication considerations. Providers also test A1C, which measures average blood glucose over 3 months. This differs from regular blood glucose measurements taken at home. Higher A1C means higher glucose levels recently. Staying close to daily glucose numbers and meeting A1C goals, often below 7%, can help patients meet their goals and protect their kidneys.
Remote Patient Monitoring and Managing Chronic Kidney Disease
Remote patient monitoring use cases are diverse, and RPM has become a key technology for managing chronic kidney disease. RPM allows healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients’ blood pressure, blood glucose, and weight, enabling earlier intervention. RPM devices, like blood pressure monitors, glucometers, and weight scales, collect daily readings from patients at home and transmit them to providers.
This frequent data gives better insight compared to office visits alone, allowing doctors to adjust treatment quickly if issues arise. RPM aids in monitoring chronic kidney disease because the consistent data helps evaluate how interventions impact interrelated conditions.
A 6-month study of 108 chronic kidney disease patients using an RPM platform called MyRenalCare found that 97% would recommend it, 93% found it easy to use, 82% felt it was better than clinic visits, and 65% of consults were fully remote. Patients also reported saving 30-120 minutes per visit, feeling more involved in their care, and clinicians providing timely feedback in under 5 minutes with the streamlined system.
In-Home Dialysis in Managing Chronic Kidney Disease
Remote patient monitoring can help proactively manage chronic kidney disease during the early stages for patients with diabetes and hypertension. However, patients in later stages may need dialysis and more involved care. Traditionally, dialysis is used on-site at clinics around 2-3 times a week. Home dialysis has become an important option, making treatment more accessible, convenient, and affordable.
A 2024 study followed over 200 Spanish dialysis patients using RPM for managing chronic kidney disease compared to a control group without it. The RPM system used automated peritoneal dialysis with cloud connectivity for monitoring chronic kidney disease. This allowed nephrologists to monitor treatment data and make prescription changes remotely.
Over 10 months, the RPM group showed lower mortality rates and fewer technique failures needing a switch to hemodialysis. They also required fewer in-person and emergency visits overall. However, the study found no major differences in hospitalization rates or quality of life. Still, being able to stay safely on peritoneal dialysis longer is crucial for preserving patients’ independence and daily routines.
Another systematic review examined the evidence for using RPM interventions to improve care for kidney disease patients, with 42 studies covering over 5,000 patients. Various RPM platforms include telehealth services, home dialysis support programs, mobile apps, and patient portals. Outcomes assessed included treatment adherence, quality of life, healthcare costs, and utilization.
The majority of evidence supports RPM advantages for peritoneal dialysis patients in particular. However, few studies focused on leveraging RPM for early detection or progression prevention of chronic kidney disease. This well-conducted review demonstrates RPM’s promise to optimize care for many kidney disease patients.
The Future of Monitoring Chronic Kidney Disease
Remote patient monitoring empowers chronic kidney disease patients and enables earlier interventions by their healthcare team. As the technology advances, RPM is expected to become more customizable, intuitive, and seamlessly integrated into chronic disease care. This means supporting patients through end-stage kidney failure and at every point along their journey with digital health tools for monitoring chronic kidney disease.
Remote patient monitoring and chronic care management offer preventive care for chronic kidney disease and other chronic care conditions. To learn how Tenovi can empower your partner providers to enhance patient outcomes, drive revenue growth, and achieve improved patient care, book your free demo and consultation today.
