Interactive Web-Based Patient Portal for the Evaluation of Potential Kidney Transplant Recipients
Kidney Transplant Service, UCSF, San Francisco, CA
Meeting: 2013 American Transplant Congress
Abstract number: A816
Introduction: UCSF implemented newly available information technology to increase access to patients, improve communication, and expedite patient work-up. Using a validated(1-2) web-based software platform (BREEZE TRANSPLANT, MedSleuth, Inc.) already in use for living kidney and liver donor evaluations, UCSF has now moved to online evaluation of kidney transplant candidates. Here we report our 2 month experience with kidney transplant candidate evaluations.
Methods: Beginning October 1st 2012, community nephrologists were asked to encourage kidney recipient candidates to complete their initial evaluation online via a dedicated screening questionnaire (SQ) website specific for ESRD patients. The SQ was designed to identify etiology of ESRD, ESRD related complications, and dialysis status. To elicit this medical history the web-based software employs proprietary algorithms to generate an individualized dynamic patient SQ. SQs were immediately available for review.
Results: 83 transplant recipient candidates were evaluated over the two month study period. Annualized, this represents ∼50% of our total kidney recipient candidate volume. Candidate age was 51 ±14.3 years (F/M 43.4%/56.6%; BMI 28.15; ethnicity: AA 15.5%, W 32.3%, AS 18.5%, HIS 21.5%, Other 12.3%). Median time to completion was 37 minutes (low 28 min/high 53 min). Completion time was inversely related to the number of medications entered and patient age (p<0.01). Accuracy of medical conditions, medications, and complications from ESRD provided by patients were confirmed during the clinic visit.
Conclusion: We have demonstrated that an interactive web-based patient portal can successfully interact with patients that suffer from chronic diseases such as ESRD. This approach significantly expedites initial review of referred patients, improves communication, reduces cost (mail, labor), and facilitates clinic visits. We anticipate being >80% paperless for kidney recipient candidate evaluation within the next 6 months.
1.) A851, ASA 2011, USA
2.) S104, IARS 2011, Canada.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Webber A, Tomlanovich S, Parente M, Roberts J, Hirose R. Interactive Web-Based Patient Portal for the Evaluation of Potential Kidney Transplant Recipients [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2013; 13 (suppl 5). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/interactive-web-based-patient-portal-for-the-evaluation-of-potential-kidney-transplant-recipients/. Accessed May 14, 2025.« Back to 2013 American Transplant Congress