Home dialysis and the Internet: designing an e-learning platform via brainstorming sessions

Background: The resurgence of home hemodialysis (HHD) underlines the importance of educational pro- grams. Brainstorming is a powerful tool for innovation, widely employed in industry but seldom used in medi- cine. The aim of this study was to define an e-learning Web platform for HHD patients via a brainstorming ap- proach. Methods: Four brainstorming sessions were held 2-6 weeks apart. Twelve people were involved: 2 dialysis physicians, 2 nurses, 2 HHD patients, 2 caregivers, a filmmaker, 2 computer experts (1 with a psychology de- gree) and a senior engineer. Each session was summa- rized as the starting point for the following one. The top- ics discussed were the platform structure and its logo. Results: For the platform, the following requirements were defined: teaching should be extensive and tai- lored to different levels of knowledge; all available teaching tools (tutorials, demonstrations, recorded and written materials) should be used; films enhance emotional participation and can be used to reduce fears; the contents should include general information on chronic kidney disease, details of all types of renal replacement therapy (RRT) (how and why), dialysis ac- cidents, blood and imaging tests, laws and reimburse- ments, direct experiences and history of RRT. Remote monitoring and visual interactions are important for reassurance about HHD and should be provided. The requirements for the logo were that it be innovative, related to daily life, representative of a holistic ap- proach and convey happiness. The logo "Hom-e-hem" was created, playing on the assonance between the religious term Om and the word home, with the e of electronic linking it with hem, short for hemodialysis. Conclusion: Brainstorming sessions can be used to design patient-tailored educational interventions. The key message, "self-care is a bridge from illness back to life," may apply to a wider context