New campaign launched to strengthen early chronic kidney disease care
A phased campaign has been launched to support earlier recognition of chronic kidney disease (CKD), helping healthcare professionals deliver timely, effective care to improve outcomes for people living with the condition.
CKD Connect has been developed to increase knowledge and confidence in identifying and managing early-stage CKD.
By providing practical education, resources and expert guidance, the campaign will equip primary care teams to better support people from the point of diagnosis and throughout their CKD care journey.
Led by the National Kidney Federation, CKD Connect aims to improve access to consistent, high-quality information and support for CKD, while highlighting the need to address gaps in awareness and understanding among policymakers.
The campaign will roll out in two phases. The first phase will deliver two webinars: one designed to build GP confidence in identifying and managing early-stage CKD, and another focused on increasing awareness of the condition, improving understanding and signposting healthcare professionals to trusted resources and support.
Building on these discussions, the second phase will bring together experts from across the healthcare landscape for a multi-stakeholder policy roundtable. Insights and recommendations from the roundtable, alongside wider stakeholder engagement, will inform the development of an evidence-based CKD Connect policy report to help shape future improvements in CKD care.
Pete Revell, Head of Marketing & Fundraising at the National Kidney Federation, said: “Far too many people being told they have CKD is the beginning of a worrying journey with little explanation or support.
“CKD Connect is about changing that. By working with primary care professionals, patients and partners across the kidney community, we want to ensure that everyone diagnosed with CKD has access to clear information, practical advice and the support they need from day one.”
He added: “This campaign has the potential to transform how early CKD is understood and managed, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on the NHS.
“The National Kidney Federation has the services to offer, with the Helpline, Peer Support and Educational leaflets.”
More than seven million people are living with CKD in the UK, however many of those will have received a diagnosis with limited explanation or follow-up support.
The point of diagnosis in early-stage CKD is a critical opportunity to influence patient outcomes. Without appropriate support, people living with CKD are at greater risk of disease progression and increased NHS burden.
For more information about the National Kidney Federation, visit https://www.kidney.org.uk.