Grant: Foundation Grant

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 1 in 10 Canadian adults, and can lead to kidney failure requiring dialysis. In most cases, CKD remains stable, and can be safely managed by a family doctor. However, for some patients, it can progress quickly and needs specialist care. In 2011, we developed an equation that accurately identifies patients at the highest risk of progression. We are now proposing national studies that will test how our equation can be integrated in patient care. First, we want family doctors to use the equation to talk to their patients about their risk of kidney failure and how to reduce it. Doctors will use the equation to determine whether a patient needs to see a kidney specialist or not. Second, we want kidney specialists to use the equation to plan for dialysis or transplantation, but only for patients at the highest risk of kidney failure. These studies will help ensure patients are involved in making health care decisions with their doctor and will help provide clinical care specific to each patient. In the next 5 years, these studies will transform care for CKD in Canada and beyond our borders.