Assessing the landscape of initiatives to improve CKD early diagnosis and treatment

Although early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and intervention can slow disease progression and reduce associated cardiovascular risks, systematic strategies for CKD screening and diagnosis remain inconsistent, with limited adoption of best practices across healthcare systems. This study aimed to assess the landscape of initiatives designed to improve early CKD diagnosis and treatment. A structured search was conducted between February and April 2024 to identify patient awareness, policy, and medical/non-medical education initiatives related to CKD early diagnosis and treatment developed by various stakeholders, including medical societies, patient organizations, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, and government agencies. The search covered the United States, Germany, China, Japan, and global- or European-level programs. Initiatives were categorized based on their target audience, approach, and expected feasibility and impact. Expert interviews (N = 11) with primary care physicians (PCPs), nephrologists, and internists were conducted to evaluate awareness, perceived effectiveness, and challenges in CKD diagnosis and treatment. Medical education initiatives targeting healthcare providers (HCPs) were further analyzed to determine key gaps, and an impact/feasibility assessment was performed. A total of 218 initiatives were identified, with the highest number in the United States, followed by China, Japan, and Germany. Most initiatives focused on patient and HCP education, with a significant portion led by pharmaceutical or MedTech companies and kidney foundations. However, awareness of these initiatives was low among PCPs. Five key gaps were identified among medical awareness initiatives: (1) lack of metric-driven goals, (2) limited peer-to-peer engagement in initiative design, (3) insufficient emphasis on serious outcome prevention, (4) inadequate targeting of high-risk populations such as patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, and (5) a general lack of PCP-focused interventions. Despite numerous educational initiatives aimed at improving CKD early diagnosis and treatment, gaps in implementation and awareness persist, particularly among PCPs. Addressing these gaps through data-driven goal setting, peer-to-peer engagement, and targeted interventions for high-risk populations could enhance the effectiveness of future programs. A more coordinated approach among stakeholders may help optimize CKD screening and management, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the global burden of kidney disease.