Advancing CKD awareness and management solutions
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) results in c45,000 premature deaths in the UK every year according to Kidney Research UK. Their 2023 report estimated that the current economic burden of kidney disease to the UK is £7bn with £6.4bn of this related to direct NHS costs; these figures could grow to as much as £13.9bn and £10.9bn, respectively by 2033.
Sustainable chronic kidney disease management is key to addressing poor health outcomes and rising costs. Xyla has partnered with My Renal Care to reduce the CKD backlog and empower patients to self-manage their condition. Exploring challenges and solutions around CKD care, Acacium Group welcomed a panel of industry experts to advance awareness of CKD and management solutions.
The urgency of early intervention
Dr Chris Lawrence, a consultant nephrologist, highlighted a significant issue in current CKD care: the inadequacy of referral guidelines. He pointed out that 20% of dialysis patients begin treatment within just three months of referral, underscoring the need for earlier detection and intervention. This delay often results in patients starting dialysis in a state of crisis, which can be both physically and psychologically traumatic.
Integrating nephrology with primary care
Dr Andrew Frankel and Dr Nick Sangala emphasised the importance of integrating nephrology with primary care to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Dr Frankel discussed the benefits of incorporating CKD management into the care pathways for patients with diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This integration can help identify CKD earlier and provide timely interventions.
Digital solutions for better management
Dr Sangala introduced My Renal Care, a digital health solution designed to replace routine face-to-face appointments with remote monitoring. This innovative approach has shown to increase capacity, reduce costs and improve patient satisfaction. The use of digital solutions like My Renal Care can make CKD management more efficient and accessible, especially for patients in remote areas.
The role of health literacy and proactive screening
Laurie Cuthbert, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Kidney Care UK stressed the importance of health literacy and proactive screening. Educating patients about CKD and encouraging regular screenings can lead to earlier detection and better management of the disease. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the burden on healthcare systems and improve patient outcomes.
A comprehensive, integrated approach
The panellists agreed on the need for a comprehensive, integrated approach to CKD management. Leveraging technology, upskilling the healthcare workforce and improving health literacy are crucial steps towards enhancing patient outcomes and reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems.
“We stand at a threshold: the old-fashioned model of delivering kidney care is too little, too late, and will overwhelm the NHS. We must act now to avert a crisis in renal care, addressing surging demand, capacity constraints, and an aging population. By empowering staff and patients, moving care closer to home, and embracing technology, we can shift from a reactive to a proactive, preventative health service. Xyla’s digital team of clinicians can provide additional clinical capacity to enable delivery at pace and at scale”
Dr Chris Lawrence, a consultant nephrologist
By working together and adopting innovative solutions, we can make significant strides in the fight against CKD. You can learn more about Xyla’s CKD services here and watch the webinar here.
