Optimal management of radiation pneumonitis: Findings of an international Delphi consensus study.

PURPOSE: Radiation pneumonitis (RP) is a dose-limiting toxicity for patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) for lung cancer, however, the optimal practice for diagnosis, management, and follow-up for RP remains unclear. We thus sought to establish expert consensus recommendations through a Delphi Consensus study. METHODS: In Round 1, open questions were distributed to 31 expert clinicians treating thoracic malignancies. In Round 2, participants rated agreement/disagreement with statements derived from Round 1 answers using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75 % agreement. Statements that did not achieve consensus were modified and re-tested in Round 3. RESULTS: Response rate was 74 % in Round 1 (n = 23/31; 17 oncologists, 6 pulmonologists); 82 % in Round 2 (n = 19/23; 15 oncologists, 4 pulmonologists); and 100 % in Round 3 (n = 19/19). Thirty-nine of 65 Round 2 statements achieved consensus; a further 10 of 26 statements achieved consensus in Round 3. In Round 2, there was agreement that risk stratification/mitigation includes patient factors; optimal treatment planning; the basis for diagnosis of RP; and that oncologists and pulmonologists should be involved in treatment. For uncomplicated radiation pneumonitis, an equivalent to 60 mg oral prednisone per day, with consideration of gastroprotection, is a typical initial regimen. However, in this study, no consensus was achieved for dosing recommendation. Initial steroid dose should be administered for a duration of 2 weeks, followed by a gradual, weekly taper (equivalent to 10 mg prednisone decrease per week). For severe pneumonitis, IV methylprednisolone is recommended for 3 days prior to initiating oral corticosteroids. Final consensus statements included that the treatment of RP should be multidisciplinary, the uncertainty of whether pneumonitis is drug versus radiation-induced, and the importance risk stratification, especially in the scenario of interstitial lung disease. CONCLUSIONS: This Delphi study achieved consensus recommendations and provides practical guidance on diagnosis and management of RP.

Incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Manitoba children 2009-10 to 2017-18: First Nation versus all other Manitobans.

AIM: To describe the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes in children in Manitoba over a ten-year period. METHODS: Population-based, provincial databases were linked to calculate the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes in children < 18 years of age in Manitoba from 2009-10 to 2017-18. First Nation and all other Manitoban children are described separately. RESULTS: The incidence of type 2 diabetes increased from 16.0/100,000/year in 2009-10 to 31‧1/100,000/year in 2017-18 (p < 0.001). For First Nation children, the incidence increased from 73‧4 to 121‧2/100,000/year (p < 0.001). For all other Manitoban children, the incidence increased from 3‧3 to 10‧7/100,000/year (p < 0.001). The prevalence of type 2 diabetes rose from 66‧4 to 124‧2/100,000/year between 2009 -10 and 2017-18 (<0.001). The prevalence in First Nation children rose from 282‧8 to 517‧9/100,000/year (p < 0.001) and in all other Manitoban children from 18‧4 to 35.0/100,000/year (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing in Manitoban children. While the greatest increase is seen in all other Manitoban children, type 2 diabetes disproportionally affects First Nation children. Understanding the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes in children is necessary for resource allocation and to inform program planning, aimed at both prevention and management.

Changes in Prevalence and Incidence at the Population Level of Type 2 Diabetes in First Nations and All Other Adults in Manitoba.

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing and Indigenous populations are at highest risk. Canadian data are crucial for health planning. METHODS: Population-based, de-identified, linked databases were used to calculate the incidence and prevalence of T2D for registered adult First Nations Manitobans and all other adult Manitobans from 2011-2012 to 2016-2017. RESULTS: The crude prevalence of T2D increased over the 6-year study period. The crude incidence of T2D for First Nations Manitobans dropped from 11.02 to 9.74 per 1,000 person-years at risk and the crude incidence for all other Manitobans did not change; in the last 2-year period, it was 6.53 per 1,000 person-years at risk. When incidence was stratified by age, the results differed between the younger and older age groups. For First Nations individuals, the adjusted incidence of T2D for those <30 years old increased over time, with no change in those ≥30 years old. For all other Manitobans, crude incidence increased over time in the young and middle age ranges (i.e. 18 to 29 years and 35 to 44 years, respectively). Both age- and sex-adjusted relative prevalence (adjusted rate ratio [aRR], 3.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.56 to 4.70) and incidence (aRR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.51 to 2.56) were higher for First Nations Manitobans. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of T2D continues to increase and disproportionately affects First Nations populations. Furthermore, the incidence is increasing in the younger age groups. Prevention and screening programs must include younger age groups and partner with First Nations communities.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with type 2 diabetes in First Nation and other Manitoban people: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: First Nation people living in Canada experience a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes in pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to describe maternal and neonatal outcomes in First Nation and all other females with type 2 diabetes living in Manitoba, Canada. METHODS: This was a population-level retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data from Manitoba (2012-2017). We compared First Nation females with type 2 diabetes with all other Manitoban females with type 2 diabetes, using relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 2181 females with type 2 diabetes were included, and 1218 (55.8%) were First Nation. First Nation females with type 2 diabetes were significantly more likely to experience stillbirth (RR 2.14, 95% CI 1.11-4.13) and perinatal death (RR 2.39, 95% CI 1.37-4.17) than all other Manitoban females with type 2 diabetes. Offspring of First Nation females with type 2 diabetes had a higher risk of most neonatal complications than offspring of all other Manitoban females with type 2 diabetes, including a higher risk of congenital malformations (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.30-2.99), but First Nation people did not have a higher risk of most maternal complications. INTERPRETATION: First Nation pregnant individuals living with type 2 diabetes experienced a higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes than all other Manitoban females with type 2 diabetes. Additional studies are needed to identify both high-risk and protective factors for pregnancy complications in First Nation people living with type 2 diabetes in pregnancy.

Mental health comorbidity is common in children with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of mental health comorbidity in children with type 2 diabetes compared to a matched population without diabetes and children with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Population-based cohorts of 528 youth (7-18 years of age) with prevalent type 2 diabetes, 1519 matched children without diabetes and 778 youth with type 1 diabetes were identified from a clinical registry and linked to provincial health care records to assess the prevalence of mental health comorbidity using ICD-9CM, ICD-10CA and ATC codes. RESULTS: The majority of children with type 2 diabetes were of First Nations heritage. Compared to their matched peers, children with type 2 diabetes where more likely to have a mood or anxiety disorder before and after diagnosis [RR 2.38 (1.63, 3.48) p < 0.001 and 1.70 (1.39, 2.08) p < 0.001 respectively], to attempt/complete suicide [RR 3.18 (1.30, 7.81) p = 0.012 and 2.18 (1.32, 3.60) p = 0.0002 respectively] and be prescribed an antipsychotic [RR 2.33 (1.23, 4.39) p = 0.009 and 1.76 (1.23, 2.52) p = 0.002 respectively]. Following adjustment for age and sex, children with type 2 diabetes, compared to children with type 1 diabetes where more likely to have a mood or anxiety disorder and be prescribed an antipsychotic after diagnosis [RR 1.43 (1.07, 1.91) p = 0.015; RR 2.41 (1.44, 4.06) p = 0.0009 respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Children with type 2 diabetes have high rates of comorbid mental illness. Programs to provide care, support, and education must address the mental health comorbidity in the context of the demographic, socioeconomic, and psycho-cultural characteristics of the population.

Hospitalization and comorbidity in children with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe hospitalization rates and reasons for hospitalization in children with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and to compare these rates to a matched cohort without diabetes and to children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS: Population-based cohorts of 528 children (7-18 years of age) with prevalent T2D, 1519 matched control children without diabetes and 778 children with T1D were identified from a clinical registry and linked to health care records to assess hospitalizations and reasons for hospitalizations using ICD-9CM and ICD-10CA codes. RESULTS: Children with T2D are more likely than their matched controls and children with T1D to be admitted to hospital in the year prior to diagnosis {RR 2.83 (1.77, 4.53) p < 0.0001 and 8.05 (4.05, 16.00) p < 0.0001, respectively}, in the first year post diagnosis {RR 3.19 (2.08, 4.89) p < 0.0001 and 3.04 (1.86, 4.98) p < 0.0001, respectively} and in the 5 year post diagnosis period {RR 1.99 (1.56, 2.53) p < 0.0001 and 1.91 (1.48, 2.46) p < 0.0001, respectively}. Mental illness was the most common cause for hospital admission in both children with T2D and their matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: This differs from children with T1D where endocrine causes constitute the most common reason for hospital admission. This analysis provides novel data on hospitalization rates and diagnoses in the increasing population of children with T2D. This information is important to inform health care programming and health policy planning to best meet the needs of this population.

Impact of a screen, triage and treat program for identifying chronic disease risk in Indigenous children.

BACKGROUND: The First Nations Community Based Screening to Improve Kidney Health and Prevent Dialysis project was a point-of-care screening program in rural and remote First Nations communities in Manitoba that aimed to identify and treat hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The program identified chronic disease in 20% of children screened. We aimed to characterize clinical screening practices before and after intervention in children aged 10-17 years old and compare outcomes with those who did not receive the intervention. METHODS: This observational, prospective cohort study started with community engagement and followed the principles of ownership, control, access and possession (OCAP). We linked participant data to administrative data at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy to assess rates of primary care and nephrology visits, disease-modifying medication prescriptions and laboratory testing (i.e., glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], estimated glomerural filtration rate [eGFR] and urine albumin- or protein-to-creatinine ratio). We analyzed the differences in proportions in the 18 months before and after the intervention. We also conducted a 1:2 propensity score matching analysis to compare outcomes of children who were screened with those who were not. RESULTS: We included 324 of 353 children from the screening program (43.8% male; median age 12.3 yr) in this study. After the intervention, laboratory testing increased by 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1% to 10.1%) for HbA1c, by 9.9% (95% CI 4.2% to 15.5%) for eGFR and by 6.2% (95% CI 2.3% to 10.0%) for the urine albumin- or protein-to-creatinine ratio. We observed significant improvements in laboratory testing in screened patients in the group who were part of the program, compared with matched controls. INTERPRETATION: Chronic disease surveillance and care increased significantly in children after the implementation of a point-of-care screening program in rural and remote First Nation communities. Interventions such as active surveillance programs have the potential to improve the chronic disease care being provided to First Nations children.

Impact of point-of-care screening for hypertension, diabetes and progression of chronic kidney disease in rural Manitoba Indigenous communities.

BACKGROUND: In 2013-2015, we conducted point-of-care screening for hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease in rural and remote Indigenous communities in Manitoba, Canada. In this study, we aimed to determine whether optimal follow-up care was provided, defined as proportion of individuals with appropriate kidney disease laboratory testing, medication prescriptions and physician visits. METHODS: We linked screening data from participants to provincial administrative data sets to evaluate whether frequencies of laboratory testing, prescriptions of disease-modifying medications, and primary care and nephrology visits differed in the 18 months before and after screening. We also conducted a propensity score matching analysis to compare outcomes between screened and unscreened adults. RESULTS: Of 1353 adults who received the screening intervention and who had complete administrative data available, 44% were at risk of kidney failure at screening. Among these individuals, frequencies of comprehensive laboratory testing (estimated glomerular filtration rate and urine albumin to creatinine ratio) improved by 17.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.5 to 22.5), anti-hyperglycemic medications improved by 4.4% (95% CI 1.0 to 7.8), and nephrology visits for participants meeting referral criteria improved by 5.9% (95% CI 3.4 to 8.5). We observed significant improvements in laboratory testing, antihyperglycemic medications and nephrology visits in the screened group compared with the 1:1 matched comparison group. INTERPRETATION: Point-of-care screening programs in rural and remote Indigenous communities are adaptable methods for increasing awareness, monitoring risk and treating chronic diseases. Interventions such as the development of a national screening program could improve chronic disease care in high-risk populations.

Kidney Check Point-of-Care Testing-Furthering Patient Engagement and Patient-Centered Care in Canada's Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities: Program Report.

PURPOSE OF PROGRAM: Access to health care services remains a significant barrier for many Indigenous people's living in rural and remote regions of Canada. Driven by geographical isolation and compounded by socioeconomic and environmental disparities, individuals living under these circumstances face disproportionately poor health outcomes. Kidney Check is a comprehensive screening, triage, and treatment initiative working to bring culturally safe preventive care to rural and remote Indigenous communities across Manitoba, Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The project's patient-oriented approach addresses concerns raised by kidney patients and their caregivers using culturally safe practices. Using the various expertise of their multidisciplinary team, Kidney Check seeks to further collaborative efforts to improve access to preventive health care for these groups. Meaningful engagement with patients, communities, and local health care stakeholders ensures Indigenous voices are heard and incorporated into the project in a way that promotes shared decision-making and sustainability. SOURCES OF INFORMATION: As an affiliate program of the Can-SOLVE CKD Network, Kidney Check's guiding priorities were developed over 3 years of patient consultation and finalized during 2 workshops held with more than 30 patients, caregivers, Indigenous peoples, researchers, and policy makers using a modified Delphi process. Today, patients continue to participate in project development via 2 governing bodies: The Patient Governance Circle and the Indigenous Peoples Engagement and Research Council (IPERC). METHODS: Modeled after the Indigenous-led 2015 FINISHED project in Manitoba, Kidney Check employs point-of-care testing to identify diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in individuals, ages 10 and above, regardless of pre-existing risk factors. The Kidney Check team consists of 4 working groups: project leadership, provincial management, local community partners, and patient partners. By using and building on existing relationships between local and provincial health care stakeholders and various Indigenous communities, the program furthers collaborative efforts to bridge gaps in health equity. KEY FINDINGS: The Kidney Check program has established an infrastructure that integrates patient engagement at all stages of the program from priority setting to deployment and dissemination strategies. LIMITATIONS: While we encourage and offer screening services to all, many still choose not to attend for a variety of reasons which may introduce selection bias. Kidney Check uses patient engagement as a foundational component of the program; however, there is currently a limited amount of research documenting the benefits of patient engagement in health care settings. More formal qualitative evaluations of these activities are needed. In addition, as the COVID-19 pandemic has halted screening procedures in most communities, we currently do not have quantitative data to support the efficacy of the Kidney Check program. IMPLICATIONS: For many Indigenous people, lack of accessibility to health care services is compounded by sociopolitical barriers that disrupt relationships between patients and providers. Meaningful engagement presents one opportunity to ensure the voices and perspectives of Indigenous patients and communities are incorporated into health services. In addition, this screening paradigm has shown to be cost effective as shown by analyses done on the FINISHED screening program.

OBJECTIFS DU PROGRAMME: L'accès aux services de santé demeure un obstacle important pour de nombreuses populations autochtones vivant dans les régions rurales et éloignées du Canada. En raison de l'isolement géographique et de disparités environnementales et socio-économiques, les personnes vivant dans ces situations sont confrontées à de pauvres conditions de santé. Kidney Check est une initiative complète de dépistage, de triage et de traitement qui vise à offrir des soins préventifs et respectueux de leurs valeurs culturelles aux communautés autochtones rurales et éloignées du Manitoba, de l'Ontario, de la Colombie-Britannique, de l'Alberta et de la Saskatchewan. L'approche axée sur le patient répond aux préoccupations soulevées par les patients atteints de néphropathies et leurs soignants grâce à des pratiques adaptées à leur culture. En exploitant les compétences d'une équipe multidisciplinaire, Kidney Check s'efforce de poursuivre les efforts de collaboration visant l'amélioration de l'accès à des soins de santé préventifs pour ces groupes. Un engagement significatif des patients, des communautés et des acteurs locaux du secteur de la santé garantit que les voix autochtones sont entendues et intégrées dans le projet d'une manière qui favorise la pérennité et la prise de décision partagée. SOURCES: Kidney Check étant un programme affilié du réseau CAN-SOLVE CKD, ses priorités directrices ont été élaborées à partir d'une consultation de 3 ans auprès des patients et finalisées au cours de deux ateliers utilisant une version modifiée de la méthode Delphi et réunissant plus d'une trentaine de patients, soignants, membres des communautés autochtones, chercheurs et décideurs. Les patients continuent à ce jour de participer au développement du projet par l'entremise de deux organes directeurs: le Conseil des patients et le Conseil de la recherche et de l'engagement des peuples autochtones (IPICER). MÉTHODOLOGIE: Inspiré du projet de dépistage FINISHED mené en 2015 auprès des Autochtones du Manitoba, Kidney Check utilise des tests au point de service pour dépister le diabète, l'hypertension et l'insuffisance rénale chronique chez les personnes âgées de 10 ans et plus, quels que soient les facteurs de risque préexistants. L'équipe de Kidney Check se compose de quatre groupes de travail: direction du projet, gestion provinciale, partenaires communautaires locaux et patients partenaires. En utilisant et en s'appuyant sur les relations existantes entre les intervenants locaux et provinciaux du secteur de la santé et les diverses communautés autochtones, le programme favorise les efforts de collaboration pour combler les écarts en matière d'équité en santé. PRINCIPAUX RÉSULTATS: Le programme Kidney Check a mis en place une infrastructure impliquant la participation des patients à toutes les étapes du programme, de l'établissement des priorités aux stratégies de déploiement et de diffusion. LIMITES: Nous encourageons et offrons ces services de dépistage à tous, mais, pour diverses raisons, beaucoup choisissent de ne pas y participer, ce qui peut introduire un biais de sélection. La participation des patients est un élément fondamental du programme Kidney Check; néanmoins, les avantages d'un engagement des patients dans les établissements de soins de santé demeurent peu documentés. Davantage d'évaluations qualitatives formelles de ces activités sont donc nécessaires. De plus, la pandémie de COVID-19 ayant interrompu les procédures de dépistage dans la plupart des collectivités, nous ne disposons pas actuellement de données quantitatives pour soutenir l'efficacité du programme. CONCLUSION: Pour de nombreuses populations autochtones, le manque d'accessibilité aux services de santé est aggravé par des obstacles sociopolitiques qui perturbent les relations entre les patients et les fournisseurs de soins. La participation significative des patients et des communautés autochtones permet d'assurer que leurs voix et perspectives soient intégrées dans les services de santé. En outre, ce paradigme de dépistage s'est révélé rentable, comme le montrent les analyses effectuées sur le programme de dépistage FINISHED.

Is Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis a Solution for Northern Manitoba?

Background: End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) continues to fundamentally impact the lives of First Nations (FN) patients. Home peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers patients more mobility and flexibility, but few Manitoba FNs have availed themselves of this option. Objective: This paper discusses Manitoba FNs' experience of PD, to highlight enablers and barriers to expanding the use of PD in rural and remote Manitoba communities. Methods: We analyzed interviews of individuals living with ESKD (N = 14), family caregivers (N = 14) and healthcare providers and administrators (N = 27). Results: Barriers to PD uptake include medical suitability, patients' distrust of home modalities and fear in their ability to manage. Other factors include limited family support and lack of appropriate housing. Conclusions: Assisted peritoneal dialysis (APD) is an emerging model where PD supplies are centrally located, and where a cohort of PD patients can provide mutual support with added assistance from an APD worker. This model could mitigate existing treatment barriers.

Screening for kidney disease in Indigenous Canadian children: The FINISHED screen, triage and treat program.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected by kidney failure at younger ages than other ethnic groups in Canada. As symptoms do not occur until disease is advanced, early kidney disease risk is often unrecognized. OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the yield of community-based screening for early risk factors for kidney disease in youth from rural Indigenous communities in Canada. METHODS: The FINISHED project screened 11 rural First Nations communities in Manitoba, Canada after community and school engagement. The results for the 10- to 17-year olds are reported here. Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hemoglobin A1c's (HbA1c) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratios (ACR) were assessed. All children were triaged and referred to either primary or tertiary care, depending on risk. RESULTS: A total of 353 were screened (estimated 22.4% of population). The median age was 12 years (IQR 10 to 13), 55% were female and 55% were overweight or obese. Overall, 21.8% of children had at least one abnormality. Hypertension was identified in 5.4% and 11.9% had prehypertension. None of the children had an eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 however 10.5% had an ACR > 3 mg/mmol and 6.2% had an eGFR < 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 suggestive of early kidney disease. Diabetes was identified in 1.4%, and 1.4% had HbA1c's between 6.1% and 6.49%. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for chronic kidney disease are highly prevalent in rural Indigenous children. More research is required to confirm the persistence of these findings, and to evaluate the efficacy of screening children to prevent or delay progression to kidney failure.

Remote Dwelling Location Is a Risk Factor for CKD Among Indigenous Canadians.

INTRODUCTION: Rural and remote indigenous individuals have a high burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) when compared to the general population. However, it has not been previously explored how these rates compare to urban-dwelling indigenous populations. METHODS: In a recent cross-sectional screening study, 1346 adults 18 to 80 years of age were screened for CKD and diabetes across 11 communities in rural and remote areas in Manitoba, Canada, as part of the First Nations Community Based Screening to Improve Kidney Health and Prevent Dialysis (FINISHED) program. An additional 284 Indigenous adults who resided in low-income areas in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada were screened as part of the NorWest Mobile Diabetes and Kidney Disease Screening and Intervention Project. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that a gradient of CKD and diabetes prevalence exists for Indigenous individuals living in different geographic areas. Compared to urban-dwelling Indigenous individuals, rural-dwelling individuals had more than a 2-fold (2.1, 95% CI = 1.4-3.1) increase in diabetes whereas remote-dwelling individuals had a 4-fold (4.1, 95% CI = 2.8-6.0) increase, and more than a 3-fold (3.1, 95% CI = 2.2-4.5) increase in CKD prevalence. CONCLUSION: Although these results highlight the relative importance of geography in determining the prevalence of diabetes and CKD in Indigenous Canadians, geography is but an important surrogate of other determinants, such as poverty and access to care.

Screening for chronic kidney disease in Canadian indigenous peoples is cost-effective.

Canadian indigenous (First Nations) have rates of kidney failure that are 2- to 4-fold higher than the non-indigenous general Canadian population. As such, a strategy of targeted screening and treatment for CKD may be cost-effective in this population. Our objective was to assess the cost utility of screening and subsequent treatment for CKD in rural Canadian indigenous adults by both estimated glomerular filtration rate and the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. A decision analytic Markov model was constructed comparing the screening and treatment strategy to usual care. Primary outcomes were presented as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) presented as a cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Screening for CKD was associated with an ICER of $23,700/QALY in comparison to usual care. Restricting the model to screening in communities accessed only by air travel (CKD prevalence 34.4%), this ratio fell to $7,790/QALY. In road accessible communities (CKD prevalence 17.6%) the ICER was $52,480/QALY. The model was robust to changes in influential variables when tested in univariate sensitivity analyses. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis found 72% of simulations to be cost-effective at a $50,000/QALY threshold and 93% of simulations to be cost-effective at a $100,000/QALY threshold. Thus, targeted screening and treatment for CKD using point-of-care testing equipment in rural Canadian indigenous populations is cost-effective, particularly in remote air access-only communities with the highest risk of CKD and kidney failure. Evaluation of targeted screening initiatives with cluster randomized controlled trials and integration of screening into routine clinical visits in communities with the highest risk is recommended.

The Prevalence of CKD in Rural Canadian Indigenous Peoples: Results From the First Nations Community Based Screening to Improve Kidney Health and Prevent Dialysis (FINISHED) Screen, Triage, and Treat Program.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous Canadians have high rates of risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), in particular diabetes. Furthermore, they have increased rates of complications associated with CKD, such as kidney failure and vascular disease. Our objective was to describe the prevalence of CKD in this population. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Indigenous (First Nations) Canadians 18 years or older screened as part of the First Nations Community Based Screening to Improve Kidney Health and Prevent Dialysis (FINISHED) project, an initiative completed in 2015 that accomplished community-wide screening in 11 rural communities in Manitoba, Canada. PREDICTORS: Indigenous ethnicity and geographic location (communities accessible by road compared with those accessible only by air). OUTCOME: Prevalence of CKD, presumed based on a single ascertainment of urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 30mg/g and/or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60mL/min/1.73m(2). MEASUREMENTS: Kidney function measured by eGFR (CKD-EPI creatinine equation) and UACR. RESULTS: 1,346 adults were screened; 25.5% had CKD, defined as UACR≥30mg/g or eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m(2). Communities accessible by road had a lower prevalence of CKD (17.6%) than more remote communities accessible only by air (34.4%). Of those screened, 3.3% had reduced kidney function (defined as eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m(2)). Severely increased albuminuria was present in 5.0% of those screened. LIMITATIONS: Presumption of chronicity based on a single ascertainment. There is a possibility of sampling bias, the net direction of which is uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: We found a 2-fold higher prevalence of CKD in indigenous Canadians in comparison to the general population and a prevalence of severely increased albuminuria that was 5-fold higher. This is comparable to patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. Public health strategies to screen, triage, and treat all Canadian indigenous peoples with CKD should be considered.

Mass screening for chronic kidney disease in rural and remote Canadian first nations people: methodology and demographic characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Screening the general population for Chronic Kidney Disease is not currently recommended.. Rural and remote Canadian First Nations people suffer a disproportionate burden of Kidney Failure. The Fi rst N at i ons Community Based S creening to Improve Kidney He alth and Prevent D ialysis ( FINISHED ) project intends to test the hypothesis that a mobile, mass screening initiative available to all First Nations people 10 years of age and older residing in rural and/or remote communities, is feasible, will improve health outcomes and is cost effective. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this manuscript is to describe the key elements required to design, implement and evaluate such a program and describe key characteristics of our screened cohort. DESIGN: Methods and cohort description. SETTING: 11 First Nations communities within 2 Tribal Councils in Manitoba, Canada. PATIENTS: All First Nations individuals between the ages of 10-80 living in the 11communities were eligible for the screening initiative. MEASUREMENTS: Screening Rates achieved within communities. METHODS: An interdisciplinary team partnership was established between the Diabetes Integration Project and the Manitoba Renal Program. Stakeholder consultation was obtained and protocols developed to mass screen community members using point of care testing equipment. All people screened were risk stratified, counselled and referred to nephrologists as required in real time, based on risk. RESULTS: As of August 31, 2014, 1480 people in 11 communities over 2 Tribal Councils have been successfully screened. A mean screening rate of 21% of all community members eligible (aged 10-80) has been achieved. All patients at intermediate or high risk of kidney failure have been seen by nephrologists within 1 month of screening. LIMITATIONS: Long term outcomes of kidney failure rates not assessed for at least 5 years. Alternative public health initiatives to reduce kidney failure not investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Point of care mass screening, real time risk prediction and counselling of First Nations people at high risk of Kidney Failure is feasible in rural and remote communities. Further analysis of this cohort will describe theepidemiology of CKD in these communities, and test the cost effectiveness of this strategy.

CONTEXTE: Présentement, le dépistage universel systématique des maladies rénales chroniques est une pratique ni recommandée ni souhaitée. Les membres des Premières Nations du Canada qui vivent en région rurale ou éloignée sont aux prises avec un fardeau d'insuffisance rénale beaucoup plus lourd que le reste de la population. Le projet de dépistage des maladies rénales et de prévention de la dialyse des communautés des Premières Nations, l'initiative FINISHED (pour First Nations Community Based Screening to Improve Kidney Health and Prevent Dialysis), a pour but de tester l'hypothèse suivante : le dépistage universel des membres des Premières Nations de 10 ans ou plus et vivant en régions éloignées ou rurales au moyen d'une unité de service mobile est un projet faisable, rentable, et qui aura des répercussions positives sur la santé des communautés desservies. OBJECTIFS DE L'ÉTUDE: L'objectif principal de cet article est, d'une part, la description détaillée des principaux éléments nécessaires à la conception, l'implémentation et l'évaluation d'un programme de cette envergure, et d'autre part, la production de données préliminaires décrivant les caractéristiques de base de la cohorte dépistée. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Éléments méthodologiques et description de la cohorte. LIEU DE L'ÉTUDE: 11 communautés des Premières Nations provenant de 2 conseils de bande du Manitoba, au Canada. PATIENTS: Tous les membres des communautés des Premières Nations sélectionnées, âgés de 10 à 80 ans, étaient admissibles à l'initiative de dépistage. MESURES: Taux de dépistage atteint au sein des communautés. MÉTHODES: Une équipe multidisciplinaire, issue d'une collaboration entre le Diabetes Integration Project et le Manitoba Renal Program a été formée pour le projet. Après une vaste consultation des parties prenantes, les protocoles et les lignes directrices de fonctionnement du dépistage universel des membres de la communauté, utilisant l'équipement de dépistage disponible aux points de service, ont été développés. Les personnes dépistées ont été classées selon leur niveau de risque; après consultation, un suivi avec un néphrologue a été initié, si nécessaire au moment de l'évaluation. RÉSULTAT DE L'ÉTUDE: Au 31 août 2014, 1480 personnes provenant des 11 communautés des 2 conseils de bande ont été dépistées avec succès. Le taux de dépistage moyen de l'ensemble des membres admissibles (âgés de 10 à 80 ans) atteint est de 21%. Tous les patients aux prises avec un risque élevé ou modéré d'insuffisance rénale ont été rencontrés par des équipes multidisciplinaires en néphrologie, à l'intérieur d'une période d'un mois suivant le dépistage. LIMITES DE L'ÉTUDE: Les répercussions à long terme des taux d'insuffisance rénale n'avaient pas été évaluées depuis un minimum de 5 ans. Les initiatives de santé publique complémentaires visant à diminuer les taux d'insuffisance rénale n'ont pas été examinées. CONCLUSIONS: Il est faisable d'effectuer le dépistage universel, la prévision du risque de maladie et la consultation en temps réel des membres des Premières Nations à haut risque d'insuffisance rénale, à partir de points de service, en région rurale ou éloignée. Une analyse plus poussée de cette cohorte pourra faire ressortir les données épidémiologiques actuelles sur la maladie rénale chronique au sein des communautés visées, et permettra d'évaluer la rentabilité de cette stratégie, dont le but est la réduction du fardeau d'insuffisance rénale, et des répercussions engendrées par les complications qui en découlent.

Influence of strategic direction for NHS Scotland knowledge services on indexing policy for the NHS Scotland e-library.

OBJECTIVES: Indexing policy for the NHS Scotland e-Library needs to maximize future inter-operability with other significant health- and social-care-related resources. The strategic drive towards integration and partnership working means that the indexing system has to be widely acceptable to the full range of disciplines within the integrated health-care family. METHODS: Indexes identified by various means and then shortlisted using predefined criteria. RESULTS: Three subject indexes have been chosen--Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), CareData and the Government Category List (GCL), plus mapping between natural language and MeSH terms. This decision was a reasonable compromise between the strategy-driven aim of seamless access for all 'partners in care', and practical constraints of time/manpower. Other authority files (e.g. geographical area, language) are also standards based, and customised to reflect the information needs of an increasingly integrated health-care system. CONCLUSIONS: No single index could provide the scope required to meet the widening range of NHS information need. The influence of high-level strategic aims and objectives have extended their reach to influence indexing policy for the e-Library. Our indexing policy will continue to evolve and contribute to a knowledge management infrastructure capable of supporting current and future NHS Scotland information needs and strategy. Layperson terminology was identified as a gap; additional measures to address this gap are highlighted.