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Published on: February 2, 2021
Addressing the gap in perioperative AKI risk identification: A two-phase project of a renal risk-stratification tool
Reed S Halterman1, Shannon Broxton1, Taylor Folkard1
1College of Nursing, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
Insights
A new renal risk tool can help identify patients at risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) during surgery. This study found 42% of patients faced moderate to high AKI risk, highlighting the need for better perioperative kidney protection.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Perioperative Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent, underestimated perioperative complication.
- Significant morbidity and mortality are linked to AKI.
- Preoperative identification of patients susceptible to AKI requires improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of a renal risk-stratification tool.
- To guide perioperative AKI prevention strategies.
- To combine qualitative data and retrospective analysis.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase approach was employed.
- Stakeholder surveys assessed the need for a risk tool.
- The Bell et al. model was retrospectively piloted on 125 patients.
Main Results:
- 42% of patients were identified as moderate to high risk for AKI.
- The findings underscore the value of structured renal assessments.
- This approach can inform clinical decisions for AKI prevention.
Conclusions:
- A dedicated renal risk-stratification tool is beneficial.
- Implementing such tools can improve patient outcomes.
- Structured perioperative renal assessment is crucial for AKI prevention.
Abstract:
Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a common yet under-recognised perioperative complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite technological advances in monitoring and interventions, preoperative identification of at-risk patients remains suboptimal. This project aimed to assess the need and efficacy of a renal risk-stratification tool at a large Level 1 trauma centre in Eastern Georgia, combining qualitative findings and retrospective chart review analysis to guide perioperative AKI prevention. The project involved a two-phase approach: assess the need for a risk tool by surveying stakeholders, followed by piloting the Bell et al model retrospectively on 125 randomly selected patients at the facility. Findings revealed 42% of patients were at moderate to high risk for AKI, emphasising the utility of structured renal assessments to inform clinical decisions and improve outcomes.
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