Get involved: Focus group on artificial intelligence for the prevention of unplanned dialysis

Overview

For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who progress to needing dialysis, the ideal transition occurs in a planned fashion in the outpatient setting with a pre-created ‘access’ such as a fistula. Unfortunately, half of all patients with CKD who start dialysis do so in an unplanned fashion in the inpatient hospital setting with no pre-created ‘access’, thereby requiring urgent placement of a dialysis catheter which predisposes to infections and other complications. Unplanned dialysis is strongly linked to poor health outcomes including death, hospitalization, anxiety, and diminished quality of life along with a high financial burden.

• We are seeking patients’ input in two main areas

1.  Are the outcomes we are focusing on prioritized by patients? Are there other outcomes we should also address?
2.  As a patient, would you want to be informed on the results of such a prediction model?

Deadline: February 28

Goals: To develop a computer-based model that will help doctors identify patients with CKD likely to require dialysis in the near future (6-12 months). By helping to identify patients likely to require dialysis in the near future, this model will better allow for doctors to intervene and prepare patients for dialysis in a planned fashion. Ultimately, this will enhance the quality and efficiency of care for patients with CKD.