In line with the national think kidneys acute kidney injury programme, led by NHS England, the Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) alert system is being rolled out to cover patients in the community.
The system will go live during the week beginning 16 October, initially for GP surgeries in the following boroughs:
- Wandsworth
- Kingston
- Croydon
- Merton
- Richmond
60% of AKI starts in the community. This initiative aims to:
- improve the outcome for patients
- help make sure that avoidable harm related to acute kidney injury is prevented in all care settings
- identify patients with AKI earlier and ensure that they receive the appropriate treatment.
Using a nationally developed algorithm, the alerts will be triggered by the South West London Pathology (SWLP computer system at levels 1 – 3. Phone calls will be made for all level 2 or 3 alerts 24 hours a day, alerting you to any patient with acute kidney injury.
In addition, in line with the Royal College of Pathologists critical phoning guidelines, AKI alert level 1 on samples with a potassium of >6.0mmol/l will be phoned within 24 hours of the sample being analysed, but not overnight.
All AKI alerts will have an automated comment attached with guidance for follow up.
The AKI pathway with further guidance, developed by the SWL renal lead, along with the AKI SDEC pathway for reference below.
