IN-DEPTH: KIDNEY DISEASE G


CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE:


AN INVESTIGATION How ‘virtual clinics’ are improving care and communication W 6 /Trust


est London has had the highest incidence of end-stage kidney disease in the UK for the past


six years, with all north west London clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) showing higher prevalence than the rest of England. Collaboration is key to preventing patients with earlier chronic kidney disease (CKD) from deteriorating. Our clinicians are working closely with partners in our community to support patients with CKD to live better.


ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE Kidneys filter the blood and produce urine in order to remove harmful waste products, such as toxins and chemicals, along with excess fluid. If this usual function is disrupted through damage, infection or abnormality, a


variety of symptoms and issues can occur, leading to chronic kidney disease. Kidney disease cannot be cured. Patients and professionals manage CKD through lifestyle changes and medication but, ultimately, many patients will need dialysis or a kidney transplant, both of which can impact significantly on patients’ quality of life.


Approximately three million people in the UK are living with some form of chronic kidney disease. The significant impact on patients and NHS finances makes finding cost-effective solutions a matter of urgency.


INNOVATIVE SOLUTION Our renal specialists have spent years working with local partners to develop an innovative healthcare model focused on prevention and early intervention. The model


Dr James Tomlinson


takes a ‘virtual’ approach primarily. “One of the core aims of the virtual clinic is to improve patient experience by providing specialist input in a timely and less intrusive manner,” says Dr James Tomlinson, consultant nephrologist at Hammersmith Hospital. “Our traditional face-to-face hospital appointments had a two to six month waiting time, often many miles from a patient’s home. This


Virtual clinic for


kidney disease The ‘virtual clinic’ established by the Trust’s renal department offers general practitioners the chance to refer their notes on a patient’s case to a consultant for review. The consultant reviews each case and offers an expert recommendation within two weeks, helping to improve care for patients with chronic kidney disease while preventing unnecessary trips to hospital.


www.imperial.nhs.uk


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