March 20, 2018, Lakewood, Colorado – As of August 2017, solo dialysis was officially allowed. Over the years, it has been allowed only on the condition that the person receiving dialysis have a care partner – someone trained to assist in their dialysis treatment and available to minimize risk in emergencies.
In-center patient treatment can have larger effects on the patient and disrupt their lives. Many have had to give up employment to accommodate their centers’ treatment schedules. Multiple studies have even shown that those who dialyze at home have better treatment outcomes and improved self-reported quality of life.1 Unfortunately, many are unaware of their ability to dialyze at home if they so choose. Now, it’s even easier as there is no requirement for a care partner.
In August of 2017, the FDA announced that, “For the first time, we cleared an expanded indication for a home hemodialysis machine, so it could be used without a care partner being present, a decision based in part on asking kidney patients about their tolerance for risk.”1
It is an amazing example of our healthcare progression that now, patients can live their lives on their own terms and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Source:
1 https://www.nephrologynews.com/flying-solo-hemodialysis-home-safe-now-legal/