The NPS MedicineWise program on chronic kidney disease has been developed in collaboration with Kidney Health Australia and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).

For health professionals

Key points

  • One in 10 Australian adults have signs of probable CKD. Of people affected, less than 10% are aware they may have the condition.
  • An increasing proportion of Australian adults are at risk of comorbid CKD, diabetes and cardiovascular disease due to ageing and risk factor trends.
  • CKD and related comorbid conditions are most common among the most disadvantaged Australians, those living in remote areas of Australia, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  • Up to 90% of kidney function may be lost before symptoms are present, therefore annual checking of urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and blood pressure (the Kidney Health Check) in those with diabetes or hypertension, and every 1–2 years for others at increased risk is essential. Early detection and intervention may slow or halt disease progression and reduce cardiovascular risk.
  • Pharmacological treatments with demonstrated cardiovascular and kidney protection should be considered in addition to healthy lifestyle strategies to improve patient outcomes.
  • Avoid or adjust the dose of medicines that may increase the risk of decline in kidney function or cause adverse effects due to reduced clearance.

NPS MedicineWise News

  • CKD – Integrating kidney health into patient care
    Integrate targeted screening, early detection and diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) into your clinical practice to slow or prevent deterioration in kidney function and improve cardiovascular outcomes of your patients.
    Find out more
    Click here to download a printable pdf
  • Medicines for chronic kidney disease: A practical guide
    This article discusses guidelines and practical recommendations on when and how to prescribe medicines shown to slow progression of chronic kidney disease and reduce cardiovascular risk.
    Find out more

    Click here to download a printable pdf

Podcasts

Clinical resources and tools

  • Kidney Health Australia: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management in Primary Care (4th Edition 2020)
    Read the full handbook
  • Additional clinical resources and tools including guidelines, medicine management, communication training and resources for treating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Resources to use with your patients

For your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients

  • HealthinfoNet
    A range of resources about kidney health presented in fact sheets and videos.
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Resources in community languages

CPD options

Educational visits for GPs

  • Visits for this program will be completed by 30 November 2022, and no new bookings are being taken.

Webinars for health professionals

Online learning modules

(ThinkGP)

Chronic kidney disease: Quality use of medicines briefing paper

This briefing paper highlights some of the key issues in diagnosing and managing CKD in primary care. The issues focus on the awareness, screening, management and quality use of medicines for people at risk of, and those with, CKD.

This paper is intended to be used by researchers, stakeholder organisations and policy makers working to improve CKD detection and management.

Quality use of medicines briefing paper

Kidney Health Australia support services