Interest in Digital Dietary Support Among Adults With Kidney Failure Receiving Hemodialysis

Objective: This study assessed interest in digital dietary support among adults with kidney failure receiving hemodialysis.

Methods: We recruited English-speaking adults with kidney failure receiving hemodialysis 2+ times per week online and in dialysis clinics to complete a brief survey. Participants were asked if they were interested in participating in an online patient community with access to a registered dietitian (RD) (not at all, slightly, somewhat, very, or extremely interested). Participants who reported owning a smartphone or tablet computer were asked about their interest in communicating with an RD about their kidney diet using a secure app (not at all, slightly, somewhat, very, or extremely interested).

Results: Participants (N = 100) were on average 53.5 (standard deviation: 16.0) years old, 48% were female, and 69% non-Hispanic white. The majority (83%) went online daily in the past 4 weeks, 80% reported having a Facebook account, and 70% looked online for information about kidney failure in the past 4 weeks. Forty-six percent were very/extremely interested in participating in an online patient community with access to an RD (18%-66% across subgroups). Of the 83% of patients who owned a tablet and/or smartphone, 39% were very/extremely interested in using an app to communicate with an RD about their kidney diet (21%-58% across subgroups).

Conclusions: In this relatively young and tech-connected sample of patients with kidney failure, many were interested in digital dietary support from an RD. Future research is needed to examine what patients desire in an online patient community and how digital support can complement and enhance support provided by RDs. RDs working with patients receiving hemodialysis may want to refer patients to evidence-based online resources and explore connecting with patients via social media or mobile app.