Kidney health for all: bridging the gap in kidney health education and literacy

A new era in the science and care of kidney diseases

Notable progress in basic, translational and clinical nephrology research has been made over the past five decades. Nonetheless, many challenges remain, including obstacles to the early detection of kidney disease, disparities in access to care and variability in responses to existing and emerging therapies. Innovations in drug development, research technologies, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have the potential to improve patient outcomes. Exciting prospects include the availability of new drugs to slow or halt the progression of chronic kidney disease, the development of bioartificial kidneys that mimic healthy kidney functions, and tissue engineering techniques that could enable transplantable kidneys to be created from the cells of the recipient, removing the risk of rejection. Cell and gene therapies have the potential to be applied for kidney tissue regeneration and repair. In addition, about 30% of kidney disease cases are monogenic and could potentially be treated using these genetic medicine approaches. Systemic diseases that involve the kidney, such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, might also be amenable to these treatments. Continued investment, communication, collaboration and translation of innovations are crucial to realize their full potential. In addition, increasing sophistication in exploring large datasets, implementation science, and qualitative methodologies will improve the ability to deliver transformational kidney health strategies.

The Shift from Individual to Organizational Health Literacy: Implications for Kidney Healthcare Leaders and Clinicians

BACKGROUND

As a social determinant of health, health literacy has a vital role in the management of chronic disease management, including chronic kidney disease (CKD).

SUMMARY

To be able to manage their condition, patients with CKD need to be able to assess, comprehend, appraise, and utilize complex health-related information. Those patients are much more likely to understand and use health information appropriately, if it addresses their personal needs related to language, culture, educational background, and socioeconomic status. One aspect of health literacy, organizational health literacy (OHL), relates to the degree with which health organizations justifiably empower patients to locate, understand, and utilize health information and facilities to inform their decision-making and health behaviours. With increasing evidence-based about OHL as a way to improve healthcare, it is a new concept for kidney clinicians.

KEY MESSAGES

As producers of health-related information, the multidisciplinary kidney healthcare team have a responsibility to meet the needs of those in their care, as such, priority should be given to implementation of OHL initiatives. Through enhancing the clarity of information, OHL initiatives may provide a game plan for person-centred care for those with CKD.