Effectiveness of an Online Portal for Delivery of Care to Home Dialysis Patients

RelayHealth is a web-based application that allows patients and clinicians to communicate through a secure, password protected online electronic portal with data transfer capabilities. The system allows physicians and nurses to view patient questions, patient data and transmit messages to patients in response to questions or after clinic visits in an electronic message. In addition, patients can be made aware of upcoming investigations or clinic visits. Patients can also use the interface to identify any proposed changes (which would minimize recall mistakes after clinic visits) and submit queries pertaining to dialysis. Both patients and clinicians are made aware of new messages through email prompt, which moderates the asynchronous nature of electronic communication. Telephone communication can be maintained, but reserved for more urgent issues that require immediate assistance.