Acute Kidney Injury Provider and Survivor Education: Current and Emerging Tools

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, but the proportion of patients receiving optimal care is low. Barriers to improving outcomes after AKI include limited recognition of AKI by providers, the required transitions of care from the inpatient and outpatient settings, and lack of patient awareness of the AKI event. Gaps in the care of AKI survivors may be improved with enhanced education for providers and patients. Some tools focused on early detection of AKI and improving AKI management have been developed with variable success in addressing adverse outcomes. Significant heterogeneity within the AKI population and complexities of care coordination continue to hinder programs focused on improving AKI survivorship. On the horizon, promising programs are emerging that may overcome these barriers by offering an individualized, patient-centered approach to AKI survivorship by integrating technological advances and multidisciplinary support. Greater emphasis is being placed on ensuring that tactics for AKI management can be implemented beyond the nephrology subspecialty. These programs can potentially prevent AKI, optimize recovery, and increase patient satisfaction. This review discusses the current and emerging educational resources for AKI survivors and their providers.