Grant: Foundation Grant

Approximately 1 in 10 adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that is associated with poor health outcomes and poor quality of life. Patients with earlier stages of CKD are cared for by family doctors, while those with more severe disease are cared for by nephrologists in special clinics. Not all of these patients, however, receive appropriate treatment. This is known as a risk-treatment paradox; a mismatch between a patient's risk profile, and the treatment they actually receive. There is also a focus on care that reflects provider, rather than patient, goals. The potential risk-treatment paradox and lack of patient engagement suggests our current approach to CKD care is not optimal. I am a physician with expertise in clinical research in CKD. I hold a Research Chair, have 351 publications, and have received over $16 million in funding as lead investigator. My research has influenced international practice guidelines for CKD, thereby shaping clinical practice, and has led to changes in health policy in Alberta. My research program has been directly informed by patients, and I have integrated patients into all aspects of my work. The goal for my research program is to improve CKD care using a personalized and patient-centered approach. Over the next 7 years I will: 1) test use of a risk prediction tool in primary and nephrology care to identify a patient's risk to guide care and referral; and 2) develop, implement and test tools that are tailored for patients and their families, to help them manage their kidney disease and be active partners in the decision making related to their care. My program of research will address key priorities for improving care identified by CKD patients , care providers and decision makers. I aim to reinvent CKD care to make it personalized and patient-centered, to ultimately improve outcomes, enhance the patient experience and provide economic benefits through cost savings for the health system.