Authors (including presenting author) :
Tai Y(1), So WY(1), Cheung HY(1), Chan WKJ(2), Hon ST(2), Huang KT(3), Lee MW(1), Yip Y(1) , Chan PS(1), Chui WY(2), Fong TC(1), Chow WC(1), Leung YM(1), Lam MW(2), Mok MFW(3), Po LN(1), Lee KF(2)(3), Yuen WH(2), Chi CY(1), Lee HKA(1), Tong KHM (2)(3), Ho A(1), Chan NHT(2)(3)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Medicine and Geriatrics of Tuen Mun Hospital, (2)Department of Medicine and Geriatrics of Pok Oi Hospital, (3)Department of Medicine and Geriatrics of Tin Shui Wai Hospital
Keyword 1: :
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Introduction :
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the predominant renal replacement therapy in Hong Kong under the long-established PD-first policy. With an aging dialysis population, increasing challenges have emerged in home-based continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), particularly in patient self-management, early problem recognition, and access to timely professional support.
Objectives :
To address these challenges, an e-Helper (CAPD Genie) was developed by renal nurses from Tuen Mun Hospital, Pok Oi Hospital, and Tin Shui Wai Hospital. The project aimed to support CAPD patients in managing common dialysis-related problems at home and to enhance service delivery by providing readily accessible guidance regardless of time and location.
Methodology :
The e-Helper is an online chatbot presented as a virtual assistant, offering step-by-step guidance with visual support, including pictures and videos, for common CAPD-related issues. Topics covered include peritonitis, fibrin in peritoneal effluent, pinkish effluent, inflow and outflow problems, wet or dry contamination, and exit-site care. Patients can select topics of interest through a user-friendly interface, with guidance delivered progressively in speech bubbles, simulating real-time instruction in an interactive manner. The platform allows patients to proceed at their own pace, revisit instructions repeatedly, and access information anytime and anywhere. A pilot study was conducted from 15th August to 10th October, 2025 involving eight newly trained CAPD patients from Tuen Mun Hospital and Pok Oi Hospital. Participants were introduced to the e-Helper during CAPD training. Pre- and post-tests were administered to assess changes in knowledge, confidence, and anxiety related to CAPD self-management. The post-test was conducted two weeks after patients commenced home CAPD.
Result & Outcome :
The pilot results were encouraging. Seven out of eight participants demonstrated improved knowledge following the intervention, and the same proportion reported increased confidence in managing PD. Participants’ anxiety levels decreased by 33% post-intervention. The e-Helper received a mean usefulness rating of 4.5 out of 6, and all participants indicated they would recommend the platform to other CAPD patients. By providing immediate and structured guidance, e-Helper enhances patient confidence, promotes proper self-care practices, and reduces anxiety associated with home PD management. As a cost-effective and easily accessible digital intervention, the e-Helper complements existing renal services and helps alleviate workforce pressures and thus increase the quality of care for CAPD patients in the New Territories West Cluster.
