PORTABLE AND HOME-BASED DIALYSIS: A NEW ERA IN RENAL CARE

Abstract

Portable and home-based dialysis therapies are transforming the landscape of renal replacement therapy by shifting kidney care from hospital-centered treatment to patient-centered management (Hansson et al., 2020). Conventional in-center haemodialysis, although lifesaving, is associated with several limitations including restricted mobility, frequent hospital visits, physical exhaustion, high healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life (Kalantar-Zadeh et al., 2017; Perl and Bargman, 2009). Advances in technology and healthcare delivery systems have led to the development of portable dialysis devices and home-based dialysis modalities that offer greater flexibility, independence, and comfort to patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (Gura et al., 2016; Himmelfarb et al., 2020). Home haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis have gained increasing attention because of their ability to improve patient satisfaction, enhance treatment adherence, and reduce the burden on healthcare facilities (Brown et al., 2016; Jaber et al., 2014). Furthermore, innovations in wearable dialysis devices, telemedicine, remote monitoring, and artificial intelligence are creating new opportunities for safer and more efficient renal care at home (Arramreddy et al., 2019; Shen et al., 2021). Portable dialysis systems are also contributing to personalized treatment approaches and improving long-term clinical outcomes (Morfin et al., 2018). This chapter discusses the evolution, principles, benefits, challenges, technological advancements, and future perspectives of portable and home-based dialysis (Ronco et al., 2018). The chapter also highlights the role of patient education, digital healthcare technologies, and policy support in promoting home-centered renal care (Mehrotra et al., 2016; Walker et al., 2020).