London, Ontario - Dr. Arsh Jain, a scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute, has been awarded $1.5 million over three years to improve in-home (peritoneal) dialysis using eHealth technology.
Dialysis is the daily process used to remove waste from the blood when failing kidneys can no longer do so. Dialysis from the comfort of home can be extremely beneficial. However, patients often feel disconnected from their care team and so choose a clinical setting instead. Dr. Jain’s study will use a tele-home monitoring system to improve the patient experience of in-home dialysis.
Participants in the study will be given a mobile tablet with an application that tracks vital information on a daily basis, including weight, blood pressure and fluid amounts. This information will be transmitted instantly to the patient’s care team and will notify them of any problems.
“Patients on in-home dialysis are not required to visit a clinic or hospital every day, and so experience more freedom,” said Dr. Jain, who is also a physician in the department of Nephrology at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). “The main reason patients leave in-home dialysis is because they feel isolated from their care team. With this new technology, patients and health professionals will be connected on a daily basis.”
Health professionals will monitor the connection to help patients make proactive care decisions as they are needed, rather than intervening at monthly appointments or, worse, when problems arise. The technology will also help patients manage their equipment inventory, deliver important notifications from the patient’s care team and integrate two-way video and photo messaging.
The goal of the Dr. Jain’s three-year study is to reduce hospitalizations, infection rates and patient transfers from in-home dialysis to dialysis in a clinical setting. “This solution has the potential to improve the patient experience and create health system savings,” said Dr. Jain. “In-home dialysis is significantly less expensive than dialysis in a clinical setting. If we can improve the experience and comfort of these patients, it will have a big impact.”
Dr. Jain’s research is being funded through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) eHealth Innovations Partnership Program (eHIPP). Half of Dr. Jain’s funding (approximately $750,000) will come from CIHR while the other half (approximately $750,000) will come from his eHIPP partners: Baxter CEC (peer-reviewed grant), the Ontario Telemedicine Network with Canada Health Infoway (OTN/CHI), Ontario Centres for Excellence (OCE) and the Ontario Renal Network (ORN).
As we celebrate National Kidney Month, this is one example of how Lawson Health Research Institute is working to make Ontario healthier, wealthier and smarter.
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Lawson Health Research Institute is one of Canada’s top hospital-based research institutes, tackling the most pressing challenges in health care. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, our innovation happens where care is delivered. Lawson research teams are at the leading-edge of science with the goal of improving health and the delivery of care for patients. Working in partnership with Western University, our researchers are encouraged to pursue their curiosity, collaborate often and share their discoveries widely. Research conducted through Lawson makes a difference in the lives of patients, families and communities around the world. To learn more, visit www.lawsonresearch.ca.
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Communications & Public Engagement
T: 519-685-8500 ext. 73502
Celine.zadorsky@lhsc.on.ca
