This is a review of the literature about the applications of information technology in nephrology. The use of information technology for database, teaching, and decision support systems is discussed. The application of telemedicine in nephrology to assist dialysis performed in remote regions is also presented. Telemedicine can have a key role in increasing standards of care in nephrology. In conclusion, telemedicine may help to build a decentralized assistance model for prevention, focused on primary care, and, thus, may play an important role in the fight against the worldwide epidemic of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
decision support; medical informatics; nephrology; telehealthcare; telemedicine; dialysis; primary care; chronic kidney disease