P125
ONLY A SKYPE AWAY.
Christopher Swan, Tina Holmes, Carol Rhodes, Richard Fluck
Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital
Problem
The home haemodialysis population in this area continues to increase with 38% of our
prevalent population dialysing at home. Studies have reported that providing adequate support
and resources which meet patients individualised needs will help increase a home dialysis
programme.(NHS Kidney care 2012) Flexible responsive real time communication is
recognised by the team as essential with this patient group and it was felt that SKYPE, which
enables face to face calls, offered an advantage over more traditional methods.
Purpose
Along with the general population our patients have increased access to computers,
smartphones and tablets. SKYPE a popular means of communicating which allows video calls
offered the team the advantage of supporting patients face to face with problem solving
machine and access issues.
Design
After overcoming the challenges of IT equipment and Information Governance concerns
Skype was installed in December 2012
Approximately one third of our home population utilise Skype. The remaining patients are
reluctant to use this method of communication: the main reasons being not having reliable
internet access and/or lacking the knowledge and skills to use this.
Findings
Patients using Skype have overwhelmingly found this means of communication supportive
and have used this service on average 2/3 times a month: this is usually in the early days of
starting dialysis at home.
Patients have commented “they now feel less isolated” “they feel more confident and “more
reassured” and that “it’s better than just a phone call”
Having close contact with the nursing team, via Skype, has influenced patients when deciding
whether to opt for home dialysis.
Patient experience
A patient who recently started haemodialysis at home had contacted the unit via Skype to
“talk through” a needle problem whilst she was going onto dialysis. During the Skype call her
husband collapsed, the staff member was able to reassure the patient whilst contacting the
emergency services to attend the scene, this involved keeping the patient calm whilst talking
her through disconnection from dialysis in this emergency situation.
Staff have commented using Skype has enabled continued face to face support to be provided
to patients dialysing at home. One staff member said “it’s a great piece of technology and
great to see the patient and give the right support when needed”
Conclusion/ relevance
As the home therapies population continues to increase more innovative methods of
communication are needed to support these patients in the community,
Whilst Skype isn’t for everyone it does have a place in supporting patients at home and
patients have said it is reassuring and gives them further confidence to perform this therapy at
home.