A new trial has begun aiming to improve the treatment of adults with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) through a digital, multi-component intervention.
Diabetic kidney disease affects around 40% of people with diabetes, with many patients being over the age of 70. The IMPROVE DKD trial, led by the University of Birmingham, will explore whether computer prompts can help general practitioners (GPs) follow DKD treatment guidelines more effectively. The goal is to slow the progression of kidney disease and improve patient outcomes.
Supporting GPs in adhering to treatment guidelines could not only improve patient care but also reduce healthcare costs.
Two-Phase Study Across 60 GP Practices
The trial will take place in two phases, involving 1,500 patients aged 60 to 80 years from 60 GP practices. In the first phase, the research team has developed a computer prompt that helps GPs follow important guidelines for blood pressure and blood sugar control, as well as the use of kidney-protecting medications. This prompt will be tested and refined in a small number of GP practices.
The second phase, beginning in the autumn, will involve a larger group of patients to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness across a wider cohort.
The trial will recruit a diverse range of practices, including those in rural areas and those serving diverse patient populations. Practices will be selected through the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), which will contact potential participants. After consent, the Research Development Networks will help recruit the practices to the study. Data will then be collected from eligible patients who visit their GP.
Addressing the Needs of DKD Patients
Professor Indranil Dasgupta, chief investigator of the trial and Consultant Nephrologist at Heartlands Hospital, said, “The IMPROVE DKD trial is a significant step toward addressing the unmet needs of those with diabetic kidney disease. By using digital tools to assist GPs, we aim to improve adherence to treatment guidelines and, ultimately, patient care.”
Dr. Francesca Crowe, Associate Professor in Epidemiology and Health Informatics at the University of Birmingham, noted, “Nearly 3.5 million adults in the UK have chronic kidney disease, with half of them having diabetic kidney disease. This condition causes 100,000 hospital admissions and 45,000 premature deaths each year. It also costs the NHS £6.4 billion annually, mainly for dialysis treatment.”
Dr. Crowe added that GPs often struggle to follow complex treatment guidelines due to time pressures. By supporting GPs with digital tools, this trial could help improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs.
Future Insights and Data Collection
Dexter, a real-world evidence platform, will enable the research team to analyze large CPRD datasets at the end of the trial, providing valuable insights into the intervention’s effectiveness.
The IMPROVE DKD trial is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
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