Digital Counseling Boosts Home Kidney Therapy Uptake
A new trial finds digital interventions help motivated patients choose home-based kidney replacement therapy.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Heart Disease
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The ODYSSEE-Kidney Health trial evaluated a digital counseling program designed to increase the uptake of home kidney replacement therapy among patients with chronic kidney disease. While the overall incidence of home therapy did not differ significantly between groups, motivationally ready patients saw a notable increase in therapy initiation.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the role of patient readiness in determining the effectiveness of digital health tools for managing chronic kidney disease. This suggests that tailoring support based on individual motivational states could improve treatment outcomes for those at high risk of kidney failure.
The trial enrolled 158 patients with a mean age of 62 years and a mean 2-year kidney failure risk of 45%. Among participants, 32 patients initiated home kidney replacement therapy during the study period.
The players
ODYSSEE-Kidney Health
This is a digital counseling intervention designed to assist patients with chronic kidney disease in navigating therapy options.
ASN Kidney Week
This annual medical conference serves as a global forum for the presentation of new research and clinical developments in nephrology.
The details
Researchers used the 4-variable kidney failure risk equation to identify candidates with a 2-year failure risk exceeding 10%. Patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the digital ODYSSEE program alongside usual care or usual care alone, with readiness assessed via a validated baseline score.
Timeline
October 21-25, 2026: Trial results were presented at ASN Kidney Week 2026 in Denver.
October 24, 2026: Study findings were published.
The Big Picture
The study builds upon the prognostic framework established by the 4-variable kidney failure risk equation. By integrating digital counseling with this standardized risk assessment, the researchers aim to bridge the gap between clinical risk identification and active patient treatment choices.
Patients with high-risk chronic kidney disease may soon have access to digital tools that provide personalized counseling for home therapy. These interventions aim to help individuals feel more prepared to manage their condition outside of a traditional clinical setting.
The takeaway
Digital health platforms can effectively support patients who are already motivated to take charge of their treatment paths. Healthcare providers should consider integrating these tools to help bridge the gap between readiness and active treatment initiation.
Further reading
For more information on managing chronic conditions, visit the Heart Disease section.
More information
View the Clinical trial registration information for full study details.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hcplive.
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