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Kidney care is a critical component of modern healthcare; the kidneys play an important role in a person's well-being. These bean-shaped organs filter waste products, balance electrolytes and fluids, regulate blood pressure, stimulate red blood cell production, and help maintain bone health. While chronic kidney diseases (CKD) are increasing, as a result, more people require dialysis to a shocking figure, unfortunately, it hooks millions around the world. With life-saving treatments and advances in patient-centric care and dialysis technology, people are now leading a better life with enhanced kidney care.
Importance of kidney care
Kidney helps in purification of blood, when they fail, it breaks down the internal balance of the body due to conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or genetic disorders. Serious complications can develop, which include swelling. All these can later advance into heart problems and ultimately to death if continues being unattended.
Renal health is best accomplished through preventive action or intervention in the early stages. Unfortunately, most end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients have simply progressed to this stage. At this stage, patients become dialysis dependent rather than given an opportunity to introduce this treatment modality, which makes kidney care extend even beyond prevention and management to include life-sustaining treatments such as dialysis and, in some cases, transplantation.
Why dialysis has become a necessity?
Dialysis serves as a substitute for normal kidney function when the kidneys can no longer work effectively. It becomes necessary when the kidneys fail to remove waste and excess fluids from the body. Although dialysis can replace only about 30% of normal kidney function, individuals can still lead a relatively normal life with regular treatment.
Escalating rates of chronic kidney disease: There has been a considerable rise in several chronic kidney disease patients, especially in ageing populations, across the globe. The disease stems from an unhealthy lifestyle and chronic health risk factors like obesity and diabetes.
Inadequacy of kidney donor supply: Although kidney transplantation is preferred over dialysis as a long-term solution for chronic kidney disease, the demand for the donor organ is not being fulfilled. Thus, to ensure the survival years of the chronic kidney disease patients and help them lead normal lives; while waiting for kidney transplantation, dialysis becomes a necessity.
Lifesaving technology: If dialysis is not started, many patients with end-stage renal disease will suffer from a forbidding prognosis. Dialysis helps improve overall health, prolong the life, and improve the life quality of the patient.
How dialysis works?
Dialysis is a medical course of action designed to imitate natural kidney functions. It is primarily of two types:
Haemodialysis: In this approach, a dialysis machine is used along with a dialyzer - a special filter for blood purification. The blood is drawn from the body of the patient, its toxins and excess fluids are removed, and then the clean blood is sent back to the patient’s body. The procedure is typically performed in a dialysis centre. Three sessions of about 3-5 hours each are conducted in a week.
Peritoneal dialysis: In this approach, a natural filter called the peritoneum - the internal lining in the patient’s abdomen, is used to purify the blood. Furthermore, a dialysate, a cleansing solution is used which is administered into the patient’s abdominal cavity via a catheter. The solution helps absorb all the body’s waste products. It is later drained. The procedure can be performed both in a dialysis centre as well as in the comfort of the home. Often it is conducted when the patient is asleep to enhance the patient's autonomy.
Challenges in traditional dialysis
Although the traditional dialysis method has helped save the lives of many end-stage renal disease patients, challenges do come along. The challenges include:
Time commitment: Lengthy, frequent sessions of traditional dialysis can play havoc with the patient’s routine life.
Physical strain: After dialysis sessions, many patients have reported experiencing hypotension, fatigue, or cramps.
Accessibility issues: In many parts of the world, still CKD patients are unable to have access to dialysis centers.
Cost: CKD patients who are not insured or have insufficient insurance coverage can find dialysis budget straining.
How does dialysis future advancements aid in patient-focussed care?
The future of dialysis is being influenced by breakthroughs that aim at improving the comfort, efficiency, and life quality of CKD patients. Here are some significant leaps, being considered:
Portable dialysis devices: Researchers are working hard in developing dialysis devices that can be worn by CKD patients to allow continuous dialysis without the need to repeatedly visit dialysis centers.
Bioengineered kidneys: Artificial kidneys that are capable of performing natural blood filtration are forthcoming. Such devices are aimed at preventing end-stage renal disease patients from going for external dialysis machines or kidney transplantations.
Improved dialysis membranes: Nowadays, dialysis filters are innovative and capable of more efficient toxin removal without causing major side effects.
Tailored treatment plans: The advancements in data analytics and AI are enabling doctors to personalize the dialysis regimens to the individual needs of the patients. This ensures optimal outcomes and minimal complications.
Remote real-time monitoring: Those patients who choose to undergo dialysis at home can be monitored by healthcare professionals with telehealth and IoT-enabled devices. So, if any problems occur during dialysis, the healthcare professional can promptly act. This provides reassurance to the patients.
Nutritional and lifestyle support: The various needs of dialysis patients including their dietary plan, psychological support, and exercise regime can all be addressed by comprehensive care models.
Green dialysis initiatives: Progress is being made to reduce the environmental impact of dialysis machines by minimizing energy and water consumption and improving waste management practices.
Empowering patients via education and engagement
Education plays a crucial role in demystifying dialysis and helping patients understand their condition, treatment options, and daily health management. When patients are equipped with accurate, easy-to-understand information, they are more likely to adhere to treatment schedules, follow dietary recommendations, and recognize early warning signs of complications. Hospitals and dialysis centers are increasingly adopting structured pre-dialysis education programs, tailored learning modules, and multilingual content to ensure accessibility and comprehension across diverse patient populations.
Technological innovation further enhances this empowerment. Mobile health applications, telemedicine platforms, and wearable technology allow patients to check their vitals, monitor symptoms, receive medication reminders, and communicate with their healthcare teams. This not only enhances treatment efficacy but also promotes a sense of control and autonomy-essential for chronic disease management.
Peer support groups and community forums provide an emotional lifeline, enabling patients to share their experiences with others. These networks foster resilience, alleviate anxiety, and motivate lifestyle changes that enhance long-term results.
Family involvement is also an integral part. Educating the caregivers on dialysis, nutrition requirements, and symptom tracking allows for a greater support system in the home environment, which can result in more regular care and improved morale for the patient.
In the years to come, patient empowerment will increasingly be shaped by AI-powered customized care plans, virtual reality-driven educational platforms, and integrated health platforms. It is not only a matter of curing the disease but also turning the dialysis experience into a more informed, collaborative, and compassionate one.
Enabling patients with education and activation is not something added to dialysis, it's the basis for improved outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and a more human approach to kidney care.
The future of dialysis lies in new technology, individualized care, and informed patients, collectively reshaping kidney treatment and offering one with enhanced quality of life.
(Author is group chief executive officer of Trivitron Healthcare)
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