Person-Centered Integrated Kidney Care Narrative Review: A Model for Reduction of Health Care Carbon Emissions

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a resource-intensive and complex challenge to sustainable health care. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe how person-centered integrated care can support sustainable health care for this population, the strategies currently in place, and the gaps to consider. The findings may support the delivery and improvement of comprehensive support.

Original peer-reviewed articles, website information, and Google Analytics were used to describe the current state of sustainable care strategies for CKD.

We reviewed the available strategies to support sustainable care through a person-centered approach in Alberta, specifically examining strategies to support care for CKD. These strategies were mapped onto the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare's four principles of sustainable health care.

In Alberta, there are several strategies to support person-centered integrated care. These include resources for health care providers that support prevention and lean service delivery, as well as patient-facing tools to support patient self-care. Person-centered integrated care and sustainability within health care are mutually supportive; however, strategies are often created in silos. There is an opportunity to improve sustainability of kidney care with a comprehensive approach and planning around outcome measures.

While these strategies may have significant benefits, there is limited knowledge of direct impacts on outcomes. We used the data that were available and highlighted the need to measure the impact of health care strategies.