[Home hemodialysis: an option to rediscover].

Abstract

Hemodialysis started in the United States in the 1960s, followed by the rapid development of home hemodialysis in the 1970s. Currently, 89.1% of patients in Switzerland receive hemodialysis in centers, while only 1.4% receive it at home. More recently, however, there has been a renewed interest in home hemodialysis, thanks to the production of machines that are better adapted to the patients and their home environment. The effectiveness of home hemodialysis has been confirmed by several studies, showing good clinical outcomes and improved quality of life, despite the emotional and logistical challenges. Economic considerations are in favor of home hemodialysis and suggest that it could be a sustainable solution for the healthcare system, provided that its implementation is supported by local policies.