Results of a coordination and shared clinical information programme between primary care and nephrology.

INTRODUCTION: The high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population has created a need to coordinate specialised nephrology care and primary care. Although several systems have been developed to coordinate this process, published results are scarce and contradictory. OBJECTIVE: To present the results of the application of a coordinated programme between nephrology care and primary care through consultations and a system of shared clinical information to facilitate communication and improve the criteria for referring patients. METHODS: Elaboration of a coordinated care programme by the primary care management team and the nephrology department, based on the SEN-SEMFYC consensus document and a protocol for the study and management of arterial hypertension (AHT). Explanation and implementation in primary health care units. A directory of specialists' consultations was created, both in-person and via e-mail. A continuous training programme in kidney disease and arterial hypertension was implemented in the in-person consultation sessions. The programme was progressively implemented over a three-year period (2007-2010) in an area of 426,000 inhabitants with 230 general practitioners. Use of a clinical information system named Salut en Xarxa that allows access to clinical reports, diagnoses, prescriptions, test results and clinical progression. RESULTS: Improved referral criteria between primary care and specialised nephrology service. Improved prioritisation of visits. Progressive increase in referrals denied by specialists (28.5% in 2009), accompanied by an explanatory report including suggestions for patient management. Decrease in first nephrology outpatient visits that have been referred from primary care (15% in 2009). Family doctors were generally satisfied with the improvement in communication and the continuous training programme. The main causes for denying referral requests were: patients >70 years with stage 3 CKD (44.15%); patients <70 years with stage 3a CKD (19.15%); albumin/creatinine ratio <500 mg/g (12.23%); non-secondary, non-refractory, essential AHT (11.17%). The general practitioners included in the programme showed great interest and no complaints were registered. CONCLUSIONS: The consultations improve adequacy and prioritisation of nephrology visits, allow for better communication between different levels of the health system, and offer systematic training for general practitioners to improve the management of nephrology patients. This process allows for referring nephrology patients with the most complex profiles to nephrology outpatient clinics.

Influencia de la agitación intensa del efluente en diálisis peritoneal automática para el cálculo de la dosis de diálisis / Influence of intense shaking of the effluent in automatic peritoneal dialysis in calculating the dialysis dosage

Introducción. La metodología, toma de muestras de sangre y del efluente peritoneal (EP) y fórmulas utilizadas para la realización de cálculos de la dosis de diálisis peritoneal debe ser estándar. Las guías DOQI recomiendan la mezcla de todo el EP y su agitación intensa. Objetivo. Estudiar si había diferencias en la determinación de Cr y de urea antes y después de agitar el EP y si afectaban al cálculo de KT/Vs y del ClCr/1.73 m2.Material y métodos. En 13 enfermos estables en DPA se realizaron 25 determinaciones de urea y Crantes y después de agitar la garrafa del EP. Se calculó el KT/Vs y el ClCr/1.73 m2 de la DP con la muestra de sangre obtenida 1-3 horas después de la finalización del tratamiento. Conclusiones. La agitación del EP previa a la toma muestras no modificó el resultado de urea y Cr y por consiguiente del KT/Vs y ClCr/1.73 m2 en nuestros enfermos. Los diferentes resultados con otros estudios pueden explicarse por otros factores como el tiempo transcurrido desde el final de la DPA y la recogida la muestra o el volumen total (AU)

Introduction The methodology, taking of blood and peritoneal effluent (PE) samples and formulae used to calculate the dos age of peritoneal dialysis should be standard. DOQI guidelines recommend mixing all the PE and shaking it well. Objective. To study whether there were differences in determining Cr and urea before and after shaking the PE and whether they affected the calculation of KT/Vs and ClCr/1.73 m2. Material and methods. In 13 stable patients on APD25 urea and Cr tests were carried out before and afters haking the PE container. The KT/Vs and ClCr/1.73m2 of the P P

Impact of end-stage renal disease care in planned dialysis start and type of renal replacement therapy--a Spanish multicentre experience.

BACKGROUND: Timely referral, preparation and initiation of dialysis remain problematic issues. The purpose of this study is to analyse the effect of chronic renal disease care and education on the mode of dialysis start (planned vs non-planned) and on the modality of renal replacement therapy (RRT). METHODS: A total of 1504 patients from 35 hospitals started RRT in 2003. Out-patient, scheduled initiation of dialysis with a permanent vascular or peritoneal access was considered planned. RESULTS: About 46% of the patients started non-planned dialysis. Of all the patients, 75% had > or =3 months of nephrological follow-up, but nearly half were never educated on dialysis options. Haemodialysis (HD) occurred in 82% and peritoneal dialysis (PD) in 18%. Planned starts were associated (all P < 0.001) with many factors: younger age, longer renal and pre-dialysis follow-up, more education on RRT and general care, more medical visits, more PD (27 vs 8%), more follow-up by specific end-stage renal disease (ESRD) units, more permanent access and better biochemical status at the start of dialysis. Some global differences were found between patients: planned vs non-planned with > or =3 months of follow-up, vs non-planned <3 months follow-up or acute non-planned and <3 months of follow-up or acute patients. HD occurred in a similar rate (92%) in patients with non-planned start, no previous follow-up or who were never educated in dialysis modality options. CONCLUSION: Although a high prevalence of nephrologic care and follow-up was provided among incident patients in dialysis, nearly half the patients did not have a planned dialysis start nor dialysis modality education. Planned start was associated with better analytical and multidisciplinary status. PD was more prevalent in planned starts and when education was given. Specific ESRD units were more likely to provide an optimal care.

Analysis of patient flow into dialysis: role of education in choice of dialysis modality.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in predialysis care, morbidity and mortality remain high. OBJECTIVES: To analyze end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patient demographics and clinical data on education on dialysis treatment options, type of chronic renal replacement therapy (RRT), and effects of planned versus non-planned dialysis start. METHODS: 621 patients, from 24 Spanish hospitals, who started RRT in 2002. Peritoneal or vascular access at dialysis initiation was considered "planned." RESULTS: 304 (49%) patients were non-planned and half of them had prior nephrology follow-up. Of the patients with >3 months nephrology follow-up (76% of all), only half were educated on dialysis modalities. Dialysis education was associated with planned start in 73.4% versus 26% in non-educated patients (p < 0.05), shorter follow-up (55 vs 65 months, p = 0.033), more medical visits in the prior year (6.5 vs 4.4, *p < 0.001), more patients starting peritoneal dialysis (31% vs 8.3%*), and more specific follow-up by ESRD unit versus general nephrology care (63% vs 26%*). Non-planned start was associated with older age (63 vs 60.6 years, p = 0.06), fewer medical visits (4.6 vs 6.4*), less education about modality options, and greater use of hemodialysis (92% vs 75%*). Planned patients had better biochemical parameters at start of dialysis. CONCLUSION: Despite nephrology follow-up, half the patients did not have a planned dialysis start. Planned start was associated with better clinical status. More patients chose peritoneal dialysis when educated about dialysis modality options. ESRD-specific units were more likely to provide patient education.