Kidney Research UK and the Royal College of Nursing have launched a practical guide to help nurses identify and manage chronic kidney disease more effectively, with a focus on early detection and addressing health inequalities.
Kidney Research UK and the Royal College of Nursing have launched a new guide aimed at helping nurses spot and manage chronic kidney disease more effectively, including in patients living with diabetes. The resource is intended as a practical, quick-reference tool that sets out what nursing staff can do at different levels of practice when caring for people with kidney disease or those at risk of developing it.
The organisations said the guide reflects growing recognition that kidney disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are closely linked, and that care needs to be more joined-up across what is often described as cardio-renal-metabolic care. According to Kidney Research UK, around one in 10 people in the UK has chronic kidney disease, and many do not know it. The National Kidney Federation says the condition is common, but fewer than one in 10 patients will need dialysis or a transplant.
The guide covers a range of everyday tasks, from annual long-term condition reviews and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio testing to recognising early signs of declining kidney function and escalating concerns. It also outlines responsibilities for nurses working at enhanced and advanced levels, including interpreting blood pressure, body mass index, HbA1c, uACR and estimated glomerular filtration rate results, as well as identifying medicines that could harm kidney function. At advanced practice level, it goes further, covering ordering tests, assessing risk and referring patients to specialist renal services.
The resource also places emphasis on health inequalities, urging nurses to consider how diagnosis, engagement with services and access to treatment can be affected by social and economic barriers. Kidney Research UK’s health inequalities programme has focused on improving earlier detection of kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes in underserved communities, while Diabetes UK says the new guide is now available through its professional learning materials for healthcare staff. Kidney Research UK said the aim is to support earlier identification, appropriate escalation and more consistent management of chronic kidney disease across the NHS.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
