Opportunities for technology use for self-management in chronic kidney disease: The TELI-CKD study

Background Australians are considered early adopts of technology with over 80% using the internet and over 90% having a mobile phone. In healthcare, technology can be used to support self-education, improve communication, and enhance clinician-patient relationships. However, current technology use amongst our Australian CKD population is unknown. Aim To investigate the use of technology in people with CKD. Methods A 38-item self-report survey was distributed to consenting CKD stage 1 to 5 (dialysis) patients across five health districts. Demographics, current technology use (internet and mobile phone), reported barriers and opportunities to support CKD self-management. Results Of the 619 (n= 244 dialysis) participants, 48% were >60 years; mostly male (54%), not on dialysis (59%), and had more than 10 years of schooling (52%). The vast majority had access to a computer (90%) and used the internet at home (77%). Only 25% were aware of websites to get information about renal healthcare. Overall 85% reported owning a mobile phone; of these, 66% were smartphones. Mobile phones were mostly used for making calls (86%) and sending/receiving SMS (81%). In those with smartphones only 38% used apps. About half (51%) indicated a willingness to use technology for their renal healthcare. Barriers were did not know how to use (16%) and did not like to use (13%). Conclusion Those with CKD are using the internet and mobile phone mostly for communication. The wide-spread introduction of technology to support self-management may be justifiable, however in the non-dialysis group in-person education and support is still required.