Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026
Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: September 26, 2018
Delphi approach to prioritising research in cardiovascular and kidney disease using routinely collected data
Ross Alexander Forsyth1, Amy Coombe2, Nigel Brunskill3,4
1HDR UK, London, UK.
Insights
Prioritizing research on chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is crucial. The study identified prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment optimization as key areas for integrated, data-driven strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiorenal Medicine
- Public Health Research
- Data Science in Healthcare
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are leading global causes of illness and death.
- CKD and CVD frequently coexist, sharing common risk factors, yet clinical care and research remain fragmented.
- Integrated approaches are needed to address the complex interplay between CKD and CVD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and prioritize key research questions at the intersection of CKD and CVD.
- To leverage real-world healthcare data for cohesive, data-driven strategies.
- To improve patient outcomes across both disease areas through integrated research.
Main Methods:
- A three-round modified Delphi process involving surveys and workshops.
- Data collection included open-ended questions and prioritization using 5-point scales for urgency, feasibility, and impact.
- Research questions were refined and consolidated through expert consensus.
Main Results:
- Six thematic domains emerged: risk prediction, early detection, treatment optimization, health inequities, multimorbidity, disease mechanisms, and data infrastructure.
- The highest-rated priority was identifying effective strategies for prevention, early diagnosis, and intervention in CKD (mean score 12.6).
- Other top priorities included evaluating early treatment cost-effectiveness and identifying kidney failure predictors.
Conclusions:
- Prevention, early detection, and early treatment in CKD are critical near-term opportunities for data-enabled cardio-renal research.
- Findings can inform funding priorities, data linkage initiatives, and evaluation studies.
- Integrated research strategies are essential for improving outcomes in patients with coexisting CKD and CVD.
Objectives:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are leading global causes of morbidity and mortality, often coexisting and sharing common risk factors. Despite their interconnection, clinical care and research for affected individuals remain siloed and fragmented. Recognising the need for integrated approaches, this study aimed to identify and prioritise key research questions at the intersection of CKD and CVD that can be addressed using real-world healthcare data to inform more cohesive and data-driven strategies for improving outcomes across both disease areas.
Design, Setting And Participants:
A three-round modified Delphi process was conducted: Round 1 online survey collected open-ended research questions about CKD-CVD priorities via BHF Data Science Centre, Kidney Research UK, UK Renal Health Data Network and HDR UK public involvement channels; Round 2 in-person workshop refined and consolidated items; Round 3 online survey prioritised items across urgency, feasibility and impact using 5-point scales.
Main Outcome Measures:
Survey mean scores for each research question were calculated across the three prioritisation domains, each scored out of 5. The top-ranked questions were identified based on overall scores.
Results:
Six thematic domains emerged: risk prediction and early detection, treatment optimisation, health inequities, multimorbidity, disease mechanisms and data infrastructure. The highest-rated research priority was "What are the most effective strategies for prevention, early diagnosis and intervention in CKD?" with a mean score of 12.6 (SD 1.1). Other top priorities included evaluating the cost-effectiveness of early treatment, identifying predictors of kidney failure and assessing the benefits of treating cardiovascular and renal conditions independently.
Conclusions:
Across domains, prevention/early detection and early treatment in CKD consistently ranked highest, indicating near-term opportunities for data-enabled cardio-renal research and service improvement; these priorities can inform funder calls, data linkage work and evaluation studies.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
01:28Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Serum Creatinine Concentration
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:18Cardiovascular Drugs: Classification based on Therapeutic Indications
01:25Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate