Research

Living with chronic kidney disease can be challenging, particularly when access to specialized care is limited. Improving coordination and access to care is an important step toward better health outcomes.

The EQUIP-Re CKD Project is evaluating new approaches to kidney care that connect patients with the care and support they need closer to home. By improving access to services and strengthening coordination between care providers, the project aims to enhance patient experiences and outcomes for people living with chronic kidney disease.

Acute kidney injury is a common complication among hospitalized patients receiving certain medications and treatments. Preventing kidney injury before it occurs has the potential to improve recovery and reduce longer-term health complications.

The PONTIAK Trial is evaluating whether cilastatin, a medication that may help protect the kidneys, can reduce the risk of acute kidney injury in patients receiving high-risk treatments. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, the study aims to improve kidney health outcomes and support safer care for hospitalized patients.

Living with chronic kidney disease can make treatment and care decisions more complex. Understanding an individual's risk of future health outcomes is an important part of planning care and supporting informed decision-making.

KDpredict is a clinical decision-support tool that estimates the risk of both kidney failure and mortality in people with chronic kidney disease. By providing a more complete picture of a patient's prognosis, the tool helps support treatment planning, specialist referrals, and patient-centred care.
 

The transition from hospital to home is a vulnerable time for patients recovering from acute kidney injury. Without the right support, risks can persist long after discharge.

UPTAKE focuses on improving this transition through personalized, risk-based care plans supported by tools integrated into Alberta’s electronic medical record system. The project is designed to strengthen continuity of care after discharge, helping reduce complications and support better long-term kidney and cardiovascular health.

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For people living with diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease, illnesses that cause vomiting, diarrhea, or fever can increase the risk of dehydration and medication-related complications.

The PAUSE Initiative is helping patients safely manage certain medications during periods of acute illness. Through evidence-based sick day guidance and digital tools, the project provides support on when medications should be temporarily paused and when they can be safely restarted, helping to reduce complications and support better health outcomes

People living with heart disease often experience symptoms and challenges that may not be fully captured during routine clinical visits. Understanding these experiences is an important part of delivering patient-centred care.

The IMPROVE CV Care project is exploring how Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) can be used to better capture patient experiences and inform care decisions. The goal is to improve patient experiences and outcomes by ensuring care teams have better information about what matters most to patients.

Heart procedures such as angiograms and angioplasties are essential, but for some patients, they carry the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), a serious complication.

This project is evaluating a bedside decision-support tool that helps care teams identify high-risk patients and tailor treatment in real time, optimizing the use of contrast dye and fluids. By personalizing care during heart procedures, researchers aim to reduce the risk of acute kidney injury, improve patient safety, and lower health care costs.

Acute kidney injury after surgery can lead to longer recoveries and lasting health impacts. Earlier detection can make a critical difference.

This project is studying clinical decision-support tools that help care teams recognize and respond to AKI sooner. By enabling earlier detection and treatment, researchers hope to support better recovery, shorten hospital stays, and reduce long-term complications.