What is the "payback" for early intervention in CRI?

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Nephrology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Kidney disease management requires coordinated efforts between healthcare providers and funding agencies.
• Previous approaches often focused on later stages of kidney disease, missing opportunities for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Renal Agency in British Columbia on kidney disease care.
• To demonstrate how collaboration and evidence-based planning can improve patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• The Renal Agency was established through collaboration between physicians, medical professionals, and government health agencies.
• Clear goals and outcomes were defined based on clinical evidence and business planning.
• The PROMIS information system is used to track and demonstrate successes.

Main Results:

• Achieved an improved, cohesive approach to managing patients with kidney disease.
• Successfully redefined kidney disease services to encompass care prior to dialysis.
• Established kidney disease as a chronic condition amenable to cost-effective early interventions.

Conclusions:

• The Renal Agency model demonstrates successful collaboration leading to improved kidney disease care.
• Early, cost-effective interventions for kidney disease significantly enhance patient outcomes.
• Ongoing collaboration and data collection will further validate the agency's successes.