Researchers at the UCLA School of Medicine have developed a sophisticated interactive touchscreen multimedia software program called RenalTouch that provides nutritional education for dialysis patients. Part of the program is a "visit" to a cyberspace cafeteria where the patients put what they have learned to use in making menu choices.

"The dietary requirements and restrictions of kidney disease patients are exceptional, as it directly affects their health progress, amount of time spent in and out of the hospital and lifespan," explains Kenneth Kleinman, M.D., FACP, clinical associate professor of medicine at UCLA, who was instrumental in developing RenalTouch. "It is estimated that only 50% of dialysis patients adhere to their treatment regimen," he adds.

The 12-step RenalTouch program takes patients through the basics of how their diets and food choices affect their health. It is used during dialysis treatments so that medical staffers can monitor their progress.

Initial modules address diet and the importance of various nutrients and minerals to kidney function. Once that has been mastered, the patient enters "Cafe Gourmet," the program's cyberspace cafeteria where their trays are loaded with breakfast, lunch and dinner foods.

At checkout, they receive immediate feedback about the proper and improper dietary components of their selections, as well as information as to whether or not they are within or have exceded their dietary prescriptions.

The program is individualized for each patient, storing such data as height, weight and dietary prescription.

From Healthy.net