Management of volume load for patients undergoing hemodialysis via WeChat and home monitoring in China: a protocol for a cluster-randomized trial.

BACKGROUND

Volume overload is a major mortality risk in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Drug therapy and conventional dialysis limitations underscore the importance of managing volume load through effective lifestyle interventions. In this regard, WeChat, along with its built-in self-monitoring function, has demonstrated considerable potential for application. WeChat, a versatile social media platform in China, integrating Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and PayPal functionalities, shows potential in managing volume load, especially when paired with home monitoring. This method may also reduce adverse events and improve patient outcomes.

METHOD

The study will be conducted at the Hemodialysis Center of the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, recruiting 135 participants. All patients will be cluster randomly assigned to three group according to their HD schedules. The control group will receive standard care. The WeChat group will receive volume load management via WeChat message in addition to standard care. The home monitoring-feedback group will be required to monitor their blood pressure and weight at home, and upload the number to WeChat subscription account "Health Dialysis" in addition to standard care and volume load management via WeChat message. Data will be collected during the baseline period, one, two, and three months after the intervention starts, and three months after the intervention ends to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention measure.

DISCUSSION

This study aims to effectively manage the volume load of HD patients and enhance their quality of life through a combination of intervention methods utilizing the WeChat platform and home monitoring. If this intervention measure proves effective, it will not only provide empirical evidence for managing HD patients through the WeChat platform but also serve as a reference model for other HD centers in addressing patient volume load issues. What's more, if significant differences are observed between the results of the WeChat groups and the home monitoring-feedback group, this will further substantiate the importance and impact of home monitoring in volume load management.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06333574). Registered 13 March 2024.