“Being able to do my dialysis in the comfort of my own home has made a huge difference to my daily life - the training and support from the team gave me the confidence to manage my treatment, and I feel much more in control of my health,” according to Tara Doherty from Bunbeg, Co Donegal, referring to the new Renal Home Therapies Service, recently introduced by Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH).
The service offers patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 the option to carry out peritoneal dialysis (PD) in their own homes.
Peritoneal dialysis is a form of renal replacement therapy that allows patients to take an active role in managing their treatment at home. Without this option, patients would need to travel to Letterkenny University Hospital at least three days per week, every week for treatment which takes 3 to 4 hours per session. By supporting patients to dialyse at home, the Renal Home Therapies Service aims to improve patient experience, clinical outcomes, and overall quality of life.
Specialist Renal Home Therapies staff at LUH provide patients with comprehensive training in peritoneal dialysis. Once a patient is assessed as competent, the team supports their transition from hospital based training to the home setting, including home visits to ensure patients feel confident and supported.
Advances in renal care mean that an increasing number of patients are now suitable for home based dialysis. Patients on the programme are monitored remotely using Sharesource, enabling the renal team to closely track treatment and respond promptly to any concerns. Ongoing care includes six monthly home reviews, alongside clinic appointments every two to three months for medical assessment.
Patients are also provided with a dedicated Home Therapies mobile number, allowing them to contact renal staff directly should any concerns arise.
Caroline McCloskey, Clinical Nurse Manager 2 for the Renal Home Therapies Service at Letterkenny University Hospital explained their goal was to
“give patients the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their dialysis safely at home. Through dedicated training, ongoing monitoring and regular contact with our team, we work closely with each patient to ensure they feel supported every step of the way. It is very rewarding to see patients gain independence while still knowing specialist help is always available. Home therapies allow patients to fit their dialysis around their lives, rather than their lives around their dialysis.”
The introduction of Renal Home Therapies represents an important step in expanding treatment options and supporting suitable patients to receive care in their own homes. It is also in keeping with the HSE Corporate plan priority seeking to establish care in the right place.