The practicalities and cost-effectiveness of screening at-risk groups for kidney disease

Abstract

This article considers the practicalities and cost-effectiveness of screening for chronic kidney disease among at-risk groups and the general population. The systems currently in place to deliver screening for both groups use flawed methodology to determine the presence of chronic kidney disease, while failing to meet screening target numbers. The cost-effectiveness of such systems is therefore compromised. Meanwhile, despite the rising incidence of chronic kidney disease, patients in known at-risk groups, including those with common conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, have no guarantee of being screened. This raises major questions about how the NHS can practically and cost-effectively tackle the rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease. A major revision of strategy is needed to address the human and financial costs associated with failure to identify and effectively manage chronic kidney disease.