Dialyzing Wisely - Improving the Delivery of Acute Renal Replacement Therapy to Albertans
This study, called "Dialyzing Wisely," looks at how to best provide kidney dialysis to seriously ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) across Alberta, Canada. Currently, there isn't a single, standard way to deliver this important treatment. The research team wants to put in place a proven, best-practice method for giving dialysis. The goal is to make sure all patients receive the best possible care, which could lead to better health results for them. It also aims to make the process more efficient and potentially save money for the healthcare system, ensuring resources are used wisely.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is all about improving how a special treatment called acute kidney dialysis is given to very sick patients. This treatment is for people whose kidneys have suddenly stopped working properly. When someone is very ill in an intensive care unit (ICU) and needs this kind of dialysis, it's a complex process that takes a lot of highly skilled nurses, doctors, and equipment.
Right now, there isn't one set way that all ICUs in Alberta, Canada, give this treatment. This study wants to change that. They plan to introduce a standard, proven set of best practices for delivering acute kidney dialysis. Think of it like creating a clear, step-by-step guide based on the best available medical knowledge, so that every patient gets consistently excellent care, no matter which ICU they are in.
The main aim is to improve how patients recover and feel. By making the treatment more consistent and based on what works best, the study hopes to lead to better outcomes for patients. It also aims to make the process more efficient, which could help manage the costs of this important care. Ultimately, it's about making sure very ill patients get the right treatment, in the right way, every time.
Key takeaways
- Aims to make kidney dialysis better and safer for seriously ill patients.
- Focuses on using a consistent, best-practice approach across hospitals.
- Could lead to improved patient health outcomes.
- Not a study of new drugs, but of how care is organised.
- Includes both adult and child patients in specific ICU settings.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for patients who are already receiving acute kidney dialysis as part of their standard care. This means they are getting this treatment because their kidneys have suddenly stopped working well, and their doctors have decided they need dialysis.
Patients who are included will be those admitted to one of 15 adult or 3 children's intensive care units (ICUs) in Alberta, Canada, during the time the study is happening. There are no specific health conditions that would prevent someone from being included, apart from the general need for acute kidney dialysis in one of these ICUs.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you an adult or child patient in an intensive care unit (ICU) in Alberta?
- Are you receiving acute kidney dialysis as part of your current medical care?
- Is your ICU one of the 15 adult or 3 children's ICUs participating in Alberta?
What does participation involve?
This study isn't about patients directly trying a new medication or treatment. Instead, it's about doctors and nurses using reports to improve how they give kidney dialysis. If you are a patient in one of the ICUs involved and need acute kidney dialysis, your care team will simply follow the new, standardized pathway for delivering this treatment. This means your care team will be using updated guidelines and information to make decisions about your dialysis. You wouldn't have extra appointments or need to take any different medicines directly because of this study. Your medical team will continue to monitor your health as they normally would.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (15)
- Peter Lougheed CentreVerified postcodeCalgary, Canada· Recruiting
- Foothills Medical CentreVerified postcodeCalgary, Canada· Recruiting
- Rockyview General HospitalVerified postcodeCalgary, Canada· Recruiting
- Alberta Children's HospitalVerified postcodeCalgary, Canada· Recruiting
- South Health CampusVerified postcodeCalgary, Canada· Recruiting
- Royal Alexandra HospitalVerified postcodeEdmonton, Canada· Recruiting
- Misericordia Community HospitalVerified postcodeEdmonton, Canada· Recruiting
- Manzankowski Alberta Heart InstituteVerified postcodeEdmonton, Canada· Recruiting
- Stollery Children's HospitalVerified postcodeEdmonton, Canada· Recruiting
- University of Alberta HospitalVerified postcodeEdmonton, Canada· Recruiting
- Grey Nuns Community HospitalVerified postcodeEdmonton, Canada· Recruiting
- Grande Prairie Regional HospitalVerified postcodeGrande Prairie, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'acute kidney dialysis'?
It's a treatment for people whose kidneys have suddenly stopped working properly, often when they are very sick in intensive care. It helps filter waste from the blood.
What does 'standardised approach' mean?
It means creating a clear, up-to-date guide or set of steps for how to best give kidney dialysis, so that all doctors and nurses follow the same high standards.
Will I have to do anything extra if I'm in this study?
No, you won't need extra tests or appointments. Your care team will just be using new, improved methods to provide your usual kidney dialysis treatment.
Is this study only for adults?
No, it includes both adults and children who are in intensive care units (ICUs) in Alberta and need acute kidney dialysis.
Who is running this study?
This study is being conducted by healthcare professionals focused on improving care for patients in Alberta, Canada.
How to find out more
Dawn Opgenorth, RN
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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