Grant: Catalyst Grant: eHealth Innovations

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem. The end stage of CKD can lead to kidney failure, which requires treatment with dialysis. Patients with CKD who require dialysis suffer from increased risks of infections, heart disease and have a poor quality of life. Early identification of patients at high risk of progression to kidney failure can lead to better treatments and may reduce the rates of dialysis. In order to identify high risk patients with CKD, we are proposing a surveillance system using the eCHART laboratory database in Manitoba. Our system will include all patients who have a blood or urine test in Manitoba, beginning 2010, and will identify patients with CKD. We will then examine the province for variations in quality of care, and use our risk prediction models to identify patients who are at high risk for kidney failure. Together, these initiatives will improve outcomes for patients with kidney disease.