Shared Decision-making in Treating Chronic Kidney Disease
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of remote health information is more apparent than ever before. Big data technology supports the development of new online clinical pathways, translating clinical practice guidelines into clinical processes within healthcare institutions.
In addition, research shows that helping patients and those who care for them to manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) themselves, slows disease progression and improves quality of life.
As a strong advocate for patient-oriented research, patient engagement, and integrated knowledge translation, Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn, dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta, Canada, focuses on using administrative data to improve care and outcomes for patients with kidney disease and other chronic conditions.
“I find the move to more patient-engaged research and the development of clinical care delivery exciting and particularly relevant given the shift to virtual care that has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she says.
In her talk at WCN’22, Dr. Hemmelgarn will discuss her recent work on developing a new CKD clinical care pathway for primary care providers (CKD-PC; www.ckdpathway.ca).
She explains: “This pathway aims to support the diagnosis, medical management, and referral of adults with CKD. We looked at some of the barriers and facilitators that played a part in integrating the CKD-PC into clinical practice, including communication, work efficiency, and confidence.”
The next phase of her work has been to develop an online tool tailored for patients and designed by working closely with patient partners. My Kidneys My Health (www.mykidneysmyhealth.com) is aimed at non-dialysis and non-transplant CKD patients and their caregivers. It includes video, text, audio, and interactive components.
“Shared decision-making can play a vital role in the treatment of CKD. By involving patients in their care sooner in the development of their disease, we may be able to slow progression, improve outcomes, and manage resources more effectively,” Dr. Hemmelgarn explains.
As well as personalized food references, symptom guidance, and medication advice, the tool includes a health provider question list. “The web-based tool we have created is user-friendly and allows our patients to tailor the content and resources according to their needs,” adds Dr. Hemmelgarn.
“Tools like these can provide patients with vital support when in-person care is restricted,” she adds. “We hope these tools can be used widely and benefit CKD patients around the world.”
Brenda Hemmelgarn: “Experience of an Online Clinical Pathway in Primary Care (CKD-PC)”, “Building Capacity Via Online and EHR for CKD Management” session, Sunday 27 February, 19:30-21:00 hrs Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) time: https://cm.theisn.org/cmPortal/searchable/WCN2022/config/normal#!sessiondetails/0000015440_0
