Transformation Directorate

Renal digital playbook

How to use digital ways of working to improve outcomes for patients

This resource provides support to clinical teams and organisations that are looking for digital tools that support the delivery of patient pathways. We concentrate on renal pathways and how to share diagnostics and deliver monitoring and support to patients. We welcome feedback on the playbooks, including ideas for further case studies. To get in touch, please email digital.playbooks@nhs.net

Scenarios

I want to improve our diagnostic capacity

Digital solutions to reduce waiting lists and improve access so patients can be seen by the right practitioner sooner

I want to offer digital self-management to patients and carers

Giving patients access to better quality information and helping them consider their options to make more informed choices

I want to offer patients remote care and monitoring

Digital solutions to support remote clinics and consultations, and better identify high-risk patients

I want to optimise the referral and triage process

Digital solutions to reduce the number of unnecessary referrals and efficiently triage patients so that they receive the right treatment faster

I want to improve communications with professionals and patients

Digital tools to improve communication with patients and between healthcare professionals

I want to optimise inpatient consultation requests for specialist advice

Digital solutions to streamline referrals and transfers into specialist departments

Pathway


Renal pathway

Explore case studies at different steps along the renal pathway

Case studies

Hand typing on a laptop

Digital referral system to improve patient access to renal services

An online solution to speed up referrals to specialist departments, support clinical process reliability, and build in information governance.
Person sat on a chair with a laptop on their knee having a video call with a doctor

A virtual community clinic for renal patients in East London

A redesigned service to connect patients, GPs and consultants for better care of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Two people having a discussion about information presented on a tablet.

Using a personal health record to improve patient engagement and deliver a digital dietetics service to kidney patients

A digital solution to empower patients to manage their health and wellbeing.
Person at their front door receiving a package containing a home test kit

At-home urine self-testing using a smartphone

A home kit to self-test for chronic kidney disease to help increase uptake and reduce workload in primary care.
Person helping a patient and their family to use a tablet

Helping patients understand chronic kidney disease using technology

Tackling health inequality and inequity by using avatars to improve information accessibility.
A digital solution to provide physical and emotional wellbeing for renal patients across the UK

A digital solution to provide physical and emotional wellbeing for renal patients across the UK

A web-based self-management programme for people living with kidney disease to learn about their condition and provide support to them, both physically and emotionally
Healthcare professional in green scrubs looking at a laptop screen

Digital outpatient appointments for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

An application to enable outpatient consultations to take place using a computer or smartphone.
Person sat at a desk in a modern office, working on a tablet

Remote monitoring for renal patients

A digital solution to streamline the information collection from patients before their appointments
Doctor wearing a white coat and stethoscope looking at a tablet device

Remotely monitoring electrolyte imbalance in patients receiving haemodialysis for end-stage kidney disease

Using technology to help remotely monitor patients receiving dialysis.

Renal webinar

Watch the Renal Digital Playbook webinar we presented with the UK Kidney Association (UKKA) on 14 July 2022. Please note this video is hosted on UKKA's YouTube site.

Disclaimer

These case studies summarise user and patient experiences, focussing on:

  • digital solutions along different care pathways
  • productivity improving digital solutions
  • how to open source code for health and care organisations

Unless expressly stated otherwise, the apps and digital tools referenced are not supplied, distributed or endorsed by NHS England or the Department of Health and Social Care and such parties are not liable for any injury, loss or damage arising from their use.

All playbook case studies have either passed, or are currently undergoing the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) assessment.

Please note the full legal disclaimer: NHS Transformation Directorate playbook disclaimer