title: Home dialysis and the Internet: designing an e-learning platform via brainstorming sessions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The resurgence of home hemodialysis (HHD) underlines the importance of educational programs. Brainstorming is a powerful tool for innovation, widely employed in industry but seldom used in medicine. The aim of this study was to define an e-learning Web platform for HHD patients via a brainstorming approach.
  
  
  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 degree) and a senior engineer. Each session was summarized as the starting point for the following one. The topics discussed were the platform structure and its logo.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For the platform, the following requirements were defined: teaching should be extensive and tailored 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 accidents, blood and imaging tests, laws and reimbursements, 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 approach 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: SS Nephrology, San Luigi University Hospital, Orbassano, Turin, Italy. gbpiccoli@yahoo.it
authors.forename: Giorgina Barbara
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Piccoli
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ferraresi
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Murciano
authors.forename: Amina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pereno
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Consiglio
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Scognamiglio
authors.forename: Maria Chiara
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Deagostini
authors.forename: Olga
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Randone
authors.forename: Gerardo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Digiorgio
authors.forename: Mario Pasquale
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Calderale
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006437:Hemodialysis, Home / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D020407:Internet; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D016730:Program Development; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012985:Software Design; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014741:Video Recording; D055815:Young Adult