Understanding recovery after acute kidney injury.

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is not an isolated event, however, is often the start of a long-term risk trajectory for patients. While in many cases kidney function improves, dysfunction is common and carries a heightened risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Central to improving outcomes is a clear, practical understanding of what constitutes true ‘recovery’ from AKI. Yet, current definitions are inconsistent, ranging from simplistic biochemical thresholds to more nuanced, qualitative judgments. To better understand how AKI recovery is defined in practice within the UK, the UK Kidney Association (UKKA) Special Interest Group and the Association of Nephrology Nurses UK (ANN UK) AKI Community of Practice surveyed nurses working in specialist AKI roles. The survey was sent to all AKI nurses from the ANN UK AKI CoP group via email. This group were chosen as a convenience sample of specialist practitioners who were caring for people with AKI and aimed to gain an insight into how nurses working in AKI care viewed and used AKI recovery. The survey received responses from 18 AKI nurses across 16 NHS Trusts within the UK. The survey explored how these clinicians define baseline renal function, assess recovery and approach follow-up, while also reviewing awareness and use of terms such as acute kidney disease.