Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem that is increasing in prevalence and incidence and together with the shortage of nephrologists constitutes a major challenge for world public health. It is imperative to seek and apply innovative models to provide a timely response to these demands, especially with regard to the prevention of CKD. In this regard, this chapter presents a proposal in order to incorporate digital technology into a systemic approach strategy to address promotion, prevention, and clinic care work of CKD in a public health network. It considers the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the renal health area as articulating instruments and supporting for the integration and coordination between primary health centers (PHCs) and the most renal specialized levels.
The proposal is based on telenephrology (TN) experiences reported in publications and in Latin American countries, some already consolidated and others under evaluation as public policies in renal health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedical care allowed continuity of care, follow-up, and control of patients with chronic CKD, especially in geographically remote areas. The use of ICTs permitted the recording of data on infected CKD patients, education for confinement, instructions on vaccinations, and management of complications associated with COVID-19.
Additionally, this chapter reports the successful results of the strategic alliance between the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension (SLANH) in the organization of nephrology education courses in telematic mode for health professionals from different Latin American countries.