Identifying interventions to optimise advanced kidney care services: scoping review protocol.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Advanced kidney care (AKC) services manage patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), typically with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤20 mL/min/1.73m².
• Current AKC practices in the UK lack consensus on optimal care delivery models and interventions, leading to geographical variations.
• The 'Transform AKC' project, a UK Kidney Association initiative, seeks to address unmet needs and improve AKC services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review to identify and evaluate evidence on best practices for advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) care.
• To establish evidence-based models of care and interventions for optimizing care in adult patients with advanced CKD.
• To inform the 'Transform AKC' national quality improvement project.

Main Methods:

• A systematic scoping review will be performed.
• Literature searches will be conducted in Medline and Embase databases.
• Search dates will range from January 1, 2014, to August 8, 2024, with subsequent analysis and synthesis of included studies.

Main Results:

• This section is to be populated once the review is completed.
• The review will synthesize findings on current and best practices in advanced kidney care.
• Evidence regarding effective care delivery models and interventions will be identified.

Conclusions:

• This scoping review will provide a comprehensive overview of existing evidence on best practices in advanced kidney care.
• Findings will guide the 'Transform AKC' project, aiming to standardize and enhance care for advanced CKD patients.
• Dissemination through publications and conferences will promote the adoption of evidence-based AKC practices.