The Introduction of An Intravenous Fluid Bundle to Improve the Prescribing of Intravenous Fluids Within a District General Hospital (Preprint)

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul-Rahman Gomaa ◽  
Sharan Sambhwani ◽  
Jonathan Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Good Clinical Practice ◽  
Point Prevalence ◽  
Grand Round ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Intravenous (IV) fluids are some of the most commonly prescribed day-to-day drugs. Evidence suggests that such prescriptions are rarely ever done correctly despite the presence of clear guidelines (NICE CG174). This is believed to be due to lack of knowledge and experience, which often breeds confusion and places patients at increased risk of harm. It also incurs avoidable costs to hospitals. OBJECTIVE This quality improvement project (QIP) aims to ensure that IV fluid prescriptions are: safe, appropriate and adhere to evidence-based NICE guidance. The project’s aims will be achieved through implementing multiple interventions that are categorised under: educational, changing prescribing habits and raising awareness. METHODS Review and improve the prescribing process of “IV fluid prescribing” via three simultaneous approaches.  Teaching sessions were delivered to all junior doctors in order to improve knowledge and awareness of appropriate IV fluid prescribing and promote familiarity with the current NICE IV fluid guidelines. This included a ‘feature session’ at our local hospital Grand Round. A point-of-care aide-memoire containing a summary of the information needed for correct prescription was designed and printed. This complimented the teaching sessions and supported good clinical practice. Using serial Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, a novel “IV fluid bundle” was developed, fine-tuned and trialled on five wards, (three surgical, two medical). The aim of the bundle was to ensure that patients were clinically reviewed in order to assess their volaemic status in order that appropriate IV fluids could then be selected and prescribed safely. The impact of these interventions was assessed on the trial wards via a weekly point prevalence audit of the IV fluid bundles for the duration of the trial. Parameters looked at were: incidence of deranged U&E’s, incidence of AKI and the number of days between the latest U&E’s and the patient’s IV fluid prescription. RESULTS These interventions were assessed on trial wards via a weekly point prevalence audit of the new IV fluid prescription chart (bundle; IFB) for the duration of the trial. Parameters monitored were: incidence of deranged U&E’s, incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and the number of days between the latest U&E’s and the patient’s IV fluid prescription. Of all of the patients on the IV fluid bundle, 100% had a documented weight, review of both fluid status and balance. The incidence of deranged U&E’s decreased from 48% to 35%. Incidence of AKI decreased from 24% to 10%. The average number of days between the latest U&E’s and a fluid prescription decreased from 2.2 days to 0.6 day. CONCLUSIONS Prescribing IV fluids is a complex task that requires significant improvement both locally and nationally. With 85% uptake of the IFB, we were able to significantly improve all measured outcomes. Through carefully structured interventions geared towards tackling the confounding issues identified from previous audits and process mapping we have shown that prescribing IV fluids can be made safer.

scholarly journals Wellbeing support for foundation doctors during COVID-19 in GHNHSFT

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S189-S189
Author(s):  
Abbi Graham ◽  
Anna-Marie Dale
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Communal Areas ◽  
Improve Hospital ◽  
The Impact

AimsThe COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of wellbeing amongst healthcare professionals. Medical professionals, notably junior doctors, are at increased risk of developing poor mental health and burnout. The GMC Barometer Study in 2020 showed that 32% of doctors found the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic detrimental to their wellbeing and mental health.The aim of this quality improvement project was to assess and improve hospital wellbeing support available to foundation doctors within Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GHNHSFT) by learning and reflecting on the impact of COVID-19.MethodAfter identifying a lack of resources within GHNHSFT, wellbeing information boards were displayed in communal areas and distributed by email. These encompassed trust wide support, practical information including childcare and relaxation resources concentrating on mindfulness, exercise and culture. A survey of foundation doctors was completed to assess doctors’ focus and approach to wellbeing. Questions assessed influential factors in maintaining wellbeing, access to current hospital resources and future interventions.Result94% of respondents recognised that their focus on wellbeing increased during COVID-19. One third of foundation doctors found it challenging to maintain their wellbeing, with 40% reporting difficulty accessing hospital support and advice. The most important factors foundation doctors identified in maintaining wellbeing were exercise, cooking and baking, and social networks. Colleagues were a significant source of wellbeing support, followed by notice boards, email resources and social media.ConclusionCOVID-19 highlighted the importance and burden on wellbeing of foundation doctors, with a significant number struggling to access support. Future recommendations include the use of a ‘buddy system’, regular and accessible exercise classes and improved communication of wellbeing support and resources to staff members.Buddy systems have already shown success amongst teams however it is important these are accessible to all foundation doctors and universally offered within the trust. A weekly yoga class is being reintroduced to be available to all doctors.A particular focus has been the development of a health and wellbeing section to feature in the trusts weekly communications, with the aim to regularly signpost staff to ongoing wellbeing resources and support.Social networking and media were highlighted as important in both maintaining wellbeing and accessing resources. A future goal is to develop an official GHNHSFT Instagram or Twitter account focused on wellbeing. We hope to continue to learn from the impact of COVID-19, improving the availability of wellbeing support at GHNHSFT that will continue into the future.

scholarly journals 145 Point of care lung ultrasound in patient triage: integration of ultrasound into a streaming pathway for COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 839.1-839
Author(s):  
Dominic Craver ◽  
Aminah Ahmad ◽  
Anna Colclough
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Point Of Care Diagnostics ◽  
Audit Data

Aims/Objectives/BackgroundRapid risk stratification of patients is vital for Emergency Department (ED) streaming during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ideally, patients should be split into red (suspected/confirmed COVID-19) and green (non COVID-19) zones in order to minimise the risk of patient-to-patient and patient-to-staff transmission. A robust yet rapid streaming system combining clinician impression with point-of-care diagnostics is therefore necessary.Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) findings in COVID-19 have been shown to correlate well with computed tomography (CT) findings, and it therefore has value as a front-door diagnostic tool. At University Hospital Lewisham (a district general hospital in south London), we recognised the value of early POCUS and its potential for use in patient streaming.Methods/DesignWe developed a training programme, ‘POCUS for COVID’ and subsequently integrated POCUS into streaming of our ED patients. The training involved Zoom lectures, a face to face practical, a 10 scan sign off process followed by a final triggered assessment. Patient outcomes were reviewed in conjunction with their scan reports.Results/ConclusionsCurrently, we have 21 ED junior doctors performing ultrasound scans independently, and all patients presenting to our department are scanned either in triage or in the ambulance. A combination of clinical judgement and scan findings are used to stream the patient to an appropriate area.Service evaluation with analysis of audit data has found our streaming to be 94% sensitive and 79% specific as an indicator of COVID 19. Further analysis is ongoing.Here we present both the structure of our training programme and our integrated streaming pathway along with preliminary analysis results.

scholarly journals Does deeper hypothermia reduce the risk of acute kidney injury after circulatory arrest for aortic arch surgery?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew M Vekstein ◽  
Babtunde A Yerokun ◽  
Oliver K Jawitz ◽  
Julie W Doberne ◽  
Jatin Anand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Circulatory Arrest ◽  
Aortic Surgery ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Deep Hypothermia ◽  
Moderate Hypothermia ◽  
Bladder Temperature ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract OBJECTIVES The impact of hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) temperature on postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) has not been evaluated. This study examined the association between circulatory arrest temperatures and AKI in patients undergoing proximal aortic surgery with HCA. METHODS A total of 759 consecutive patients who underwent proximal aortic surgery (ascending ± valve ± root) including arch replacement requiring HCA between July 2005 and December 2016 were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional aortic surgery database. The primary outcome was AKI as defined by Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) criteria. The association between minimum nasopharyngeal (NP) and bladder temperatures during HCA and postoperative AKI was assessed, adjusting for patient-level factors using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 85% (n = 645) of patients underwent deep hypothermia (14.1–20.0°C), 11% (n = 83) low-moderate hypothermia (20.1–24.0°C) and 4% (n = 31) high-moderate hypothermia (24.1–28.0°C) as classified by NP temperature. When analysed by bladder temperature, 59% (n = 447) underwent deep hypothermia, 22% (n = 170) low-moderate, 16% (n = 118) high-moderate and 3% mild (n = 24) (28.1–34.0°C) hypothermia. The median systemic circulatory arrest time was 17 min. The incidence of AKI did not differ between hypothermia groups, whether analysed using minimum NP or bladder temperature. In the multivariable analysis, the association between degree of hypothermia and AKI remained non-significant whether analysed as a categorical variable (hypothermia group) or as a continuous variable (minimum NP or bladder temperature) (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In patients undergoing proximal aortic surgery including arch replacement requiring HCA, degree of systemic hypothermia was not associated with the risk of AKI. These data suggest that moderate hypothermia does not confer increased risk of AKI for patients requiring circulatory arrest, although additional prospective data are needed.

scholarly journals Improving knowledge and confidence in the acute management of eating disorders and resulting complications

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S186-S186
Author(s):  
Sarah Fynes-Clinton ◽  
Clare Price ◽  
Louisa Beckford ◽  
Maisha Shahjahan ◽  
Brendan McKeown
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Refeeding Syndrome ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Impact

AimsThis project aimed to improve the knowledge and confidence of doctors at all levels when managing patients with eating disorders while on call.BackgroundA recent survey found just 1% of doctors have the opportunity for clinical experience on eating disorders. Anecdotally, a number of junior doctors within our trust had mentioned that they felt unsure when asked to manage patients with eating disorders during their out of hours shifts.MethodThis project aimed to ascertain levels of confidence with managing patients with eating disorders, and to collect suggestions to improve this. This was achieved using a survey sent out to 97 doctors working in a Mental Health Trust.We then utilised two of the suggestions to improve the identified areas of concern. The first method involved direct lectures. This was followed up with the creation of a poster highlighting the pertinent information which was displayed in key clinical areas. The second avenue was the creation of an information booklet covering key clinical information that is available to all on call doctors.ResultThe response rate for the survey was 37.11%. The survey found that doctors lacked confidence in the management of common conditions that arise in patients admitted with eating disorders. Refeeding syndrome was identified as the greatest area of concern by responding doctors.To assess the impact of the lectures, MCQs were given out before and after the presentation. The results were compared, and showed a clear improvement in overall knowledge, with results going from an average score of 56.6% to 80%.ConclusionBy using multiple methods to improve doctors confidence, (lectures, written information and visual posters), this quality improvement project achieved its aims in improving doctors knowledge, and through having easy access to important information, will have long term positive effects on patient care.

scholarly journals P0559AKI SEASONALITY IN ENGLAND

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Wong ◽  
Dorothea Nitsch
Keyword(s):  
Cox Regression ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Seasonal Effect ◽  
Winter Mortality ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background and Aims Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is known to be seasonal, peaking in winter months among hospitalised patients. Previous studies have suggested that the seasonality of AKI is likely to be influenced by the seasonality of the underlying acute illnesses that are associated with AKI. Mortality of patients with AKI has also been reported as being higher in winter, reflecting well-described excess winter mortality associations. Here we describe the seasonal variations of AKI alerts in England and the associated mortality rate using linked national databases. Method Serum creatinine changes compatible with KDIGO AKI stage 1, 2 and 3 are sent by laboratories in England as AKI alerts to the treating clinicians and the UK Renal Registry (UKRR). We linked the electronic AKI alerts to the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data, to identify patients who were hospitalised. We carried out descriptive statistics, and investigate the seasonal effect to the 30-day patient mortality from date of getting AKI alert, using multivariable Cox regression and sequentially adjusting for age, sex, Index of multiple deprivation (IMD) and peak AKI stage Results Winter has the highest number of AKI episodes (N=81,276), which is 6% higher than that in summer (N=76,329) (Table 1). For patients who had an AKI episode and admitted to hospitals, the crude 30-day mortality is higher in the winter season when compared to the summer [HR 1.28 (1.25-1.31), p<0.01] (Figure 1). After adjusting season by age, peak AKI stage, IMD and sex, winter season still has significantly higher 30-day mortality than summer [HR 1.24 (1.21-1.27), p<0.01]. Winter mortality peak is confounded by age and AKI severity, which explained the drop of hazard ratio at winter peaks; whereas season is not confounded by deprivation and sex. The pattern of seasonality varies with age, in age group 18-39, there were 26.1% of AKI episodes in summer and 23.3% in winter, whereas in age group >75, there were 23.7% in summer and 27.1% in winter. Conclusion Analysis of England data confirms seasonal peak in AKI during winter months. Additionally it shows increased risk of mortality for patients with AKI in winter months. Future work will investigate the impact of comorbidities and case-mix on outcomes. By understanding the seasonal variation of AKI, we can potentially plan preventive care and improve clinical practice.

A single-center qualitative study evaluating the safety and efficacy of a pharmacist-driven protocol for high-dose methotrexate management

2020 ◽  
pp. 107815522092745
Author(s):  
Stephanie F Matta ◽  
Leslie A Gieselman ◽  
Robert S Mancini
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
High Dose ◽  
High Dose Methotrexate ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Treatment Delays ◽  
Dose Methotrexate ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Inpatient Length Of Stay

Introduction Delayed methotrexate clearance in several patients admitted to the oncology unit at a regional medical center necessitated the development of a pharmacist-driven protocol for supportive therapy with high-dose methotrexate. This performance improvement project evaluated the impact of the protocol on inpatient length of stay, patient safety, and clinical outcomes. Methods Retrospective data were collected over 14 months pre-implementation and prospective data were collected over 19 months post-implementation. Primary outcomes included mean length of stay and incidence of kidney injury. Secondary outcomes included myelosuppression, treatment delays, mucositis, protocol adherence, and pharmacist interventions. Chi-squared and unpaired two sample t-test were used for data analysis. Intervention A literature review of consensus recommendations for supportive care post high-dose methotrexate administration was conducted to develop the protocol. Education on implementation was provided to involved disciplines. Results One-hundred ten high-dose methotrexate admissions for 23 patients were analyzed: 24 pre-protocol and 86 post-protocol. Mean length of stay was 5.17 nights pre-protocol and 3.91 nights post-protocol ( p = 0.026). Incidence of kidney injury significantly decreased (16.7% pre-protocol versus 3.5% post-protocol; p = 0.0394). Lower incidences of all-grade anemia (83.3% versus 58.1%), neutropenia (62.5% versus 29.1%), and thrombocytopenia (58.3% versus 33.7%) as well as treatment delays (29.2% versus 11.6%; p = 0.036) were reported post protocol. No statistically significant difference in mucositis was detected. Pharmacist adherence to protocol was ≥80% resulting in 348 interventions with 99.4% provider acceptance. Conclusion The implementation of a pharmacist-driven high-dose methotrexate management protocol resulted in a statistically significant decrease in inpatient length of stay and kidney injury. Further studies are needed to assess the impact on additional outcomes.

scholarly journals Renin–angiotensin system blocker use and the risk of acute kidney injury after colorectal cancer surgery: a population-based cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e032964
Author(s):  
Charlotte Slagelse ◽  
H Gammelager ◽  
Lene Hjerrild Iversen ◽  
Kathleen D Liu ◽  
Henrik T Toft Sørensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Adjusted Risk ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Postoperative Aki

ObjectivesIt is unknown whether preoperative use of ACE inhibitors (ACE-I) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) affects the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. We assessed the impact of preoperative ACE-I/ARB use on risk of AKI after CRC surgery.DesignObservational cohort study. Patients were divided into three exposure groups—current, former and non-users—through reimbursed prescriptions within 365 days before the surgery. AKI within 7 days after surgery was defined according to the current Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome consensus criteria.SettingPopulation-based Danish medical databases.ParticipantsA total of 9932 patients undergoing incident CRC surgery during 2005–2014 in northern Denmark were included through the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group Database.Outcome measureWe computed cumulative incidence proportions (risk) of AKI with 95% CIs for current, former and non-users of ACE-I/ARB, including death as a competing risk. We compared current and former users with non-users by computing adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) using log-binomial regression adjusted for demographics, comorbidities and CRC-related characteristics. We stratified the analyses of ACE-I/ARB users to address any difference in impact within relevant subgroups.ResultsTwenty-one per cent were ACE-I/ARB current users, 6.4% former users and 72.3% non-users. The 7-day postoperative AKI risk for current, former and non-users was 26.4% (95% CI 24.6% to 28.3%), 25.2% (21.9% to 28.6%) and 17.8% (17.0% to 18.7%), respectively. The aRRs of AKI were 1.20 (1.09 to 1.32) and 1.16 (1.01 to 1.34) for current and former users, compared with non-users. The relative risk of AKI in current compared with non-users was consistent in all subgroups, except for higher aRR in patients with a history of hypertension.ConclusionsBeing a current or former user of ACE-I/ARBs is associated with an increased risk of postoperative AKI compared with non-users. Although it may not be a drug effect, users of ACE-I/ARBs should be considered a risk group for postoperative AKI.

scholarly journals Association between hydroxocobalamin administration and acute kidney injury after smoke inhalation: a multicenter retrospective study

Critical Care ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
François Dépret ◽  
Clément Hoffmann ◽  
Laura Daoud ◽  
Camille Thieffry ◽  
Laure Monplaisir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Smoke Inhalation ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The use of hydroxocobalamin has long been advocated for treating suspected cyanide poisoning after smoke inhalation. Intravenous hydroxocobalamin has however been shown to cause oxalate nephropathy in a single-center study. The impact of hydroxocobalamin on the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and survival after smoke inhalation in a multicenter setting remains unexplored. Methods We conducted a multicenter retrospective study in 21 intensive care units (ICUs) in France. We included patients admitted to an ICU for smoke inhalation between January 2011 and December 2017. We excluded patients discharged at home alive within 24 h of admission. We assessed the risk of AKI (primary endpoint), severe AKI, major adverse kidney (MAKE) events, and survival (secondary endpoints) after administration of hydroxocobalamin using logistic regression models. Results Among 854 patients screened, 739 patients were included. Three hundred six and 386 (55.2%) patients received hydroxocobalamin. Mortality in ICU was 32.9% (n = 243). Two hundred eighty-eight (39%) patients developed AKI, including 186 (25.2%) who developed severe AKI during the first week. Patients who received hydroxocobalamin were more severe and had higher mortality (38.1% vs 27.2%, p = 0.0022). The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of AKI after intravenous hydroxocobalamin was 1.597 (1.055, 2.419) and 1.772 (1.137, 2.762) for severe AKI; intravenous hydroxocobalamin was not associated with survival or MAKE with an adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.114 (0.691, 1.797) and 0.784 (0.456, 1.349) respectively. Conclusion Hydroxocobalamin was associated with an increased risk of AKI and severe AKI but was not associated with survival after smoke inhalation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03558646

scholarly journals The impact of biomarkers of acute kidney injury on individual patient care

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1295-1305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay L Koyner ◽  
Alexander Zarbock ◽  
Rajit K Basu ◽  
Claudio Ronco
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Functional Markers ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Clinical Implementation ◽  
Care Bundles ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a common clinical syndrome associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In the last several years there have been several advances in the identification of patients at increased risk for AKI through the use of traditional and newer functional and damage biomarkers of AKI. This article will specifically focus on the impact of biomarkers of AKI on individual patient care, focusing predominantly on the markers with the most expansive breadth of study in patients and reported literature evidence. Several studies have demonstrated that close monitoring of widely available biomarkers such as serum creatinine and urine output is strongly associated with improved patient outcomes. An integrated approach to these biomarkers used in context with patient risk factors (identifiable using electronic health record monitoring) and with tests of renal reserve may guide implementation and targeting of care bundles to optimize patient care. Besides traditional functional markers, biochemical injury biomarkers have been increasingly utilized in clinical trials both as a measure of kidney injury as well as a trigger to initiate other treatment options (e.g. care bundles and novel therapies). As the novel measures are becoming globally available, the clinical implementation of hospital-based real-time biomarker measurements involves a multidisciplinary approach. This literature review discusses the data evidence supporting both the strengths and limitations in the clinical implementation of biomarkers based on the authors’ collective clinical experiences and opinions.

scholarly journals P0619POINT OF CARE CREATININE FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF COMMUNITY ACQUIRED ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN NIGERIA. TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION AND DESIGN OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Poulikakos ◽  
Ibi Erekosima ◽  
Pedro Emem-Chioma ◽  
Prelador Fakrogha ◽  
R I Oko-Jaja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Port Harcourt

Abstract Background and Aims Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in low- and middle-income countries is mostly a community-acquired potentially reversible syndrome and has high morbidity and mortality. Due to limited laboratory infrastructure diagnosis of AKI is often delayed until life threatening complications have developed and dialysis treatment is largely unavailable. Decisions for hospital referral from primary health care centers and triage decisions for hospital admission are not based on laboratory results in Port Harcourt Nigeria. To address the need for early diagnosis and treatment of AKI we established a collaboration between the Renal Unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Primary Health Care Board Rivers State and the Renal Department of Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, aiming at the evaluation of the use of point of care (POC) Creatinine (Cr) for early detection and management of community acquired AKI. Method The first stage of the project evaluated the accuracy of POC Cr technology. Following informed consent patients underwent concurrent measurement of Cr using the central laboratory (Lab) assay (Jaffe) from a venous sample and a point of care Cr measurement using a capillary sample (fingerstick) with the NOVA Stasensor Xpress Cr analyser. Pearson Correlation and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess correlation and agreement between the two methods. During the second stage, the results were discussed at a focused AKI workshop and guidance for the use of POC Cr was developed. Results During the first phase 96 concurrent POC Cr capillary and venous Lab Cr samples were analysed. Mean age was 49±14 years and 66 subjects were females. POC Cr values were 127±122 umol/l and Lab Cr values were 100 ±85 umol/L, mean positive bias of 27.2±47.94 umol/L. Overall, correlation between POC Cr and Lab Cr was very good, with Pearson correlation r=0.956) Figure 1A. All 4 out of 96 values that were outside the limits of agreement (set at mean ±2 standard deviations) were for Lab Cr values >200 umol/L. A Bland-Altman Plot is presented for paired samples with Lab Cr values <200 umol/L (Figure 1B).

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