Development and Feasibility of a Multidisciplinary Approach to AKI Survivorship in Care Transitions: Research Letter

Abstract

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) survivors are at heightened risk for poor short- and long-term health outcomes. Even among those who recover after an AKI episode, the risk for chronic kidney disease is 4- to 6-fold higher than in patients without AKI, underscoring the importance of identifying methods to improve AKI survivorship. Objective: The purpose of this report was to describe the development and feasibility of a novel multidisciplinary approach to caring for AKI survivors at care transitions (ACT). Design: Observational process improvement initiative. Setting: Single academic medical center in the United States. Patients: The studied population was adults with stage 3 AKI not discharging on dialysis who were established with a primary care provider (PCP) at our institution. Methods: An electronic health record tool was developed prior to implementation to identify AKI survivors. The ACT program encompassed engaging patients in the hospital, delivering education by nephrology-trained nurses before discharge, completing recommended laboratory testing after discharge, and conducting structured kidney-focused follow-up with a pharmacist and a PCP within 7 to 14 days after discharge. Patients could be referred for nephrology evaluation at the discretion of the PCP. Results: Preliminary data demonstrated that most AKI survivors of interest could be identified, educated, and followed up with this model. This strategy appeared feasible, scalable, and maximized the unique expertise of each member of the multidisciplinary team. Limitations: Small sample size, future assessment of process, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes needed. Conclusions: The multidisciplinary ACT workflow supported by clinical decision support was feasible and addressed gaps in existing care transition models. Team-based care delivery in primary care appears to be a mechanism to extend the capacity for kidney health monitoring for AKI survivors.

Comprehensive Acute Kidney Injury Survivor Care: Protocol for the Randomized Acute Kidney Injury in Care Transitions Pilot Trial

“…Before discharge, participants receive a consultation from nephrology nurse educators. These nurses provide kidney health education, as previously described [ 17 ], which is tailored to the patient’s needs. To ensure consistency, nurses aim to achieve understanding using teach-back questions.…”

Optimising transitions of care for acute kidney injury survivors: protocol for a mixed-methods study of nephrologist and primary care provider recommendations

“…Transitional and in-home primary care programmes were implemented in select locations within the Mayo Clinic Enterprise prior to the pandemic 29 39. In 2021, a new transitional post-AKI care programme was piloted in primary care in Rochester 40. No formal changes were made to nephrology or primary care posthospital follow-up practices and new patient capacity was unchanged.…”

“…29 39 In 2021, a new transitional post-AKI care programme was piloted in primary care in Rochester. 40 No formal changes were made to nephrology or primary care posthospital follow-up practices and new patient capacity was unchanged. Email addresses will be obtained from departmental contact lists.…”

Digital health utilities in acute kidney injury management

“…Using these devices and data will allow individualized AKI risk assessment, given the possibility of exposure to harmful drugs or events, and then allow tailored responses to worsening kidney function. Some patients may need escalation to an acute care setting, while others may be recommended to implement preplanned protocols (e.g., increasing diuretics or holding medications) [3 ▪ ,8]. The goal of implementing digital health in AKI is to empower patients to avoid further harmful exposures and mitigate the risks of previous ones.…”