Grant: CIHR New Investigator

Acute kidney injury (AKI), defined as an abrupt reduction in kidney function, is common in hospital and associated with serious complications, including the need for dialysis. However, it can be often be prevented and early detection and ongoing care can ameliorate its consequences. Timely identification and continuity of care for patients with AKI is fundamental for appropriate management and to reduce both the short and long-term impacts of AKI. However, implementing complex recommendations for early identification and ongoing management is challenging because the majority of patients who develop AKI are not initially seen by kidney specialists. The objectives of this research program are to develop innovative, tailored identification and care strategies for AKI, targeted at the initial onset through to long-term follow-up of the condition. This work has the potential to lead to improvements in care that reduce the length of admissions and improve long-term health outcomes of hospitalized Canadians.