The aim of the AKI work stream focuses on informing and sharing learning to support a consistent approach to improving AKI across the South West region. This approach is aligned to the wider national agenda on AKI through Dr Richard Fluck the National Clinical Director for Renal and the Think Kidney’s programme. Think Kidneys is the NHS’s campaign programme for tackling acute kidney injury. The main aim of the Programme Board is to ensure avoidable harm related to acute kidney injury is prevented in all healthcare settings. The programme is providing support to health care professionals with best practice guidance, education packages but also with care plan guidance and providing case studies to promote “think kidneys”.
The SW CV SCN held a follow up AKI event at Somerset County Cricket Club, Taunton on 25 March 2015 for patients, clinicians, patient safety leads and commissioners, to come together and share learning and agree priorities to tackle AKI within the region. It was a great opportunity to help reduce the incidence and severity of Acute Kidney Injury as part of a national programme.
Dr Richard Fluck, National Clinical Director was invited to lead the event and provide the key address. Other presenters included GP, a pharmacist, a biochemist and a representative from NICE. A patient perspective was provided by video link. Participants in the event included AKI champions from the majority of Trusts in the region with representatives from the multidisciplinary teams from both primary and secondary care.
A great deal of debate was generated by the presentations and they can be viewed on the website. Links to an AKI education programme can be found at:
Secondary care link:
http://www.uhl-library.nhs.uk/aki/
GP link:
http://www.uhl-library.nhs.uk/aki_gp/index.html
NICE Quality Standards Stephen Judge
Keeping Kidneys Healthy Richard Fluck
Pharmacy on the frontline Alaster Rutherford
A final event is planned for September 2015 where the achievements and outcomes of the project will be celebrated and shared.
