Nephrology training curriculum and implications for optimal kidney care in the developing world

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Medical Education
• Global Health

Background:

• Effective chronic disease care, including for chronic kidney disease (CKD), relies on a robust workforce, which is often lacking or maldistributed in low-income nations.
• While developed countries have advanced nephrology training, these standards are frequently not transferable to the unique challenges faced by low-income nations, such as regional disease patterns and disadvantaged populations.
• There is a critical need for adaptable training curricula that incorporate global best practices while addressing the specific needs and peculiarities of developing countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate nephrology training programs in 25 upper-middle and high-income nations to identify adoptable best practices for low-income countries.
• To review training guidelines from major professional societies regarding content and process.
• To propose recommendations and a strategic plan for future nephrology training in developing nations, emphasizing technological advancements and CKD prevention.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of nephrology training programs across 25 upper-middle and high-income nations.
• Review of training guidelines from major professional societies focusing on content and process.
• Identification of similarities and differences in training structures, content, and processes.

Main Results:

• Significant variations exist in the structure, content, and process of nephrology training programs globally.
• Numerous concepts and frameworks from high-income nations' training programs are adaptable for implementation in low-income nations.
• Essential competencies for nephrologists in developing countries, encompassing patient- and population-based care, have been outlined.

Conclusions:

• Adaptable nephrology training models can be developed by leveraging existing global best practices.
• A strategic plan is proposed to align training with technological advancements and the growing emphasis on CKD prevention in developing regions.
• Practical measures and an action plan are provided for adopting essential competencies in low-income nations to improve CKD care delivery.