Abstract
Background and Aims: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) constitutes a significant global health burden due to its association with kidney failure, cardiovascular morbidity, and premature mortality. Despite incremental advancements in nephrology, technological innovation has progressed more slowly than in other clinical fields. Information and communication technology (ICT) offers the potential to address inefficiencies in hemodialysis (HD) care through enhanced monitoring, communication, and data management. This study examines current ICT interventions in HD, evaluates their effectiveness, and identifies limitations and opportunities for further development.
Results: Findings from the systematic review indicate that ICT integration including telehealth, remote surveillance systems, electronic documentation platforms, and mobile-based self-management tools provides measurable benefits in HD care. These interventions are associated with improved clinical outcomes, optimized treatment delivery, greater patient satisfaction, and reduced healthcare expenditure. In the context of home hemodialysis (HHD), ICT enhances patient autonomy, fosters continuous connectivity with healthcare teams, and supports adherence. The incorporation of ICT aligns with the principles of 4P medicine by enabling predictive analytics, precision dosing, and preventive risk monitoring, and personalized treatment strategies.
Conclusion: ICT is poised to play an increasingly central role in the evolution of HD and HHD. While current evidence underscores its value, significant gaps remain in interoperability, standardization, and the integration of real-time clinical decision support. Continued research and technological advancement are essential to fully realize the transformative potential of ICT in nephrology.
Highlights:
• HD Therapy in which ICT intervention is present were reviewed.
• The factors that contribute to enhancing the impact of ICT solutions on nephrology practice were identified and analyzed.
• Different types of ICT interventions in nephrology practices were analyzed and verified.
• Research gaps and limitations regarding ICT interventions on nephrology were identified and listed.
Aim: The aim of this study was to review and synthesize the available literature on the role of ICT in HD in nephrology units in global healthcare settings. The systematic review was conducted to examine the content and results of publications on the use of information and communication technologies to improve the health care of HD patients, available for healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients.
Keywords
Information and Communication Technology intervention in hemodialysis, Systematic review, Home hemodialysis, Remote Patient Monitoring / management, End-stage renal disease, Chronic kidney disease