Can teledialysis help in the clinical management of patients on remote hemodialysis?

This study investigated whether transmission of the parameters monitored from a remote center to the main center could improve the control of a dialysis session. The parameters of the computer connection module Monitral SC in remote and main centers, were transmitted by means of the Hospal data collection software (Demoplus) by modem, to the host computer. Each remote center can be temporarily disconnected, if necessary, from the telephone line and linked directly to a local computer. We checked 101 hemodialyses. The dialysis was monitored from filter washing to disconnection of the patients and the following parameters were selected: backfiltration during washing and hemodialysis: ultrafiltration, conductivity and temperature. From the sessions recorded (93%) we observed that backfiltration during the filter preparation phase was high (30%) in 28 sessions. Backfiltration during the preparatory phase is the major problem for correct management of dialysis sessions. The high percentage in which ultrafiltration had to be stopped shows that control of this parameter is still not ideal. Finally, the collection of monitor parameters and the comparative analysis of clinical data is useful for improving dialytic management.