Think Kidneys AKI Programme Activities
At the beginning of July we had the second board meeting for the Phase 2 work of Think Kidneys. We received updates from the various pieces of work being undertaken and made plans for future projects. Phase 2 of the programme is about continuing to develop resources on the website, lead improvements in care and report on the impact of AKI across England. One of our larger work areas is to review Think Kidneys publications on the website, to ensure that our resources are up to date and contain the most appropriate information. Resources are available here.
Our practical guide for community staff to help with recognising and responding to AKI has been very popular, and we have already had our second print run. The guide takes the form of an A6/postcard size, and they are designed to be carried in pockets and diaries and give practical advice for those working in the community – whether it is in a care home, a community nurse or ambulance crew. The card can be downloaded here, or email us for request hard copies. We are hoping to secure sponsorship to enable us to send the cards to all who request copies as we have already had numerous requests for large numbers.
In August we met with colleagues at NICE to talk about AKI quality indicators. We are going to be building on the work we have previously carried out for primary care – this time looking at AKI in secondary care.
We have now published an exciting piece of work which is resources for undergraduate nurse educators. We have developed some guidance, lesson plans and slide sets for those teaching student nurses in years one, two and three, and includes a video scenario and case studies. The aim is to increase awareness of AKI among student nurses so they are well equipped with all the information they need when they work with patients. The resources have been developed by nurse specialists and comprise guidance for nurse educators on how AKI presents, what it is and how it develops and who is at risk of AKI. Included are lesson plans, slide sets and a video seminar.
The guidance can be accessed from the Think Kidneys website: https://www.thinkkidneys.nhs.uk/aki/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/05/Guidance_for_UG-nurse-educators-FINAL.pdf
In July, Think Kidneys were shortlisted for a prestigious Patient Safety Award in the Information Technology to Improve Patient Safety category for our AKI work. Although we didn’t win, we were delighted to be acknowledged – and competition was fierce. Congratulations to the whole Think Kidneys team for working so hard on the project, and who are continuing to develop the programme further.
Current work and resources in development
We have worked with colleagues at the Renal Association and British Heart Failure Society to develop a document giving a consensus statement on changes in kidney function and serum potassium during ACEI/ARB/diuretic treatment in primary care. This will be published on all websites when finalised.
Think Kidneys are continuing to support a team of GPs to work on an RCGP quality improvement programme to raise awareness of AKI within primary care. The team are working on an audit tool for GPs and this will be piloted during the autumn. The programme will conclude by publishing a toolkit which will be available on line in spring 2018, and there will be a sharing event in February 2018. You can read about the project in our news item here.
We are developing an information leaflet for people with learning disabilities and staff working with these people. We are hoping to collaborate with one of the renal patient charities on this piece of work, and are currently waiting for approval and typesetting before publication.
Following the success of the resources for undergraduate nurses, we would now like to work with colleagues in pharmacy and doctor training to develop similar resources for these students.
On 24th November, Think Kidneys are hosting a one-day conference at the RCP in London. Entitled “Kidneys for the General Physician Conference”, this will be a motivational, interactive day, with speakers secured from across the renal community. The conference is now open to booking, and you can book your space here
Measurement
A total of 88 labs have sent through data for July and we now have 111 labs submitting data overall. An overview is also available on the Think Kidneys AKI website here.