Comparative efficacy of a team‐led treatment protocol for the management of renal anaemia. Issue 10 (19th September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kotwal, Sradha S; Lan, Patrick; MacLeod, Avril; Jardine, Meg; Snelling, Paul; Craig, Jonathon; Cass, Alan; Gallagher, Martin
• Is Part Of: Nephrology. Volume 18:Issue 10(2013)
• Page Start: 649
• Page End: 654
• Publication Date: 2013-09-19
• Subjects: anaemia -- erythropoietin -- haemodialysis -- treatment protocol; Nephrology -- Periodicals; Kidneys -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Nephrologists -- Periodicals; 616.61; 616.61
• DOI: 10.1111/nep.12144
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1320-5358

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of a team‐led anaemia management protocol based on current guidelines. Methods: The effect of a treatment protocol in implementing an anaemia guideline was evaluated in a large teaching hospital, encompassing three (two in‐hospital and one satellite) dialysis facilities. Quarterly data were collected, over a 6‐year period, on all patients dialysing in these facilities, before and after implementation of an anaemia management treatment protocol. This protocol was developed by a physician‐led team and implemented by an anaemia coordinator assisted by the unit staff. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients receiving erythropoietin with ferritin levels within the national guidelines target range calculated using data on haemoglobin (Hb), iron studies, dry weight and erythropoietin dose. Results: Data was collected on >150 patients every quarter between 2005 and 2010 (inclusive). The proportion of patients within the primary outcome target range increased from a nadir of 17% to 51% with evidence of true systematic change. The proportion of patients with Hb values within the unit target range also increased from 46% to 56% ( P = 0.25) between the first and last years of the project. These changes were also associated with reduced erythropoietin drug use down to 0.44 μg/kg per week. Conclusion: Implementation of a treatment protocol for anaemia management in haemodialysis patients was associated with greater consistency with guideline evidence and lower drug use. Achieving such guideline recommendations for ferritin targets in more than 50% of patients appears feasible. Summary at a Glance: Availability of guidelines does not always translate into practice changes and outcome improvement. This study actually showed the efficacy of a team‐led anaemia management protocol based on the current KHA‐CARI Guidelines on haemoglobin (Hb) and iron targets. These results support the value of implementing a simple and affordable treatment protocols in managing anaemia seen in dialysis patients. The study suggests the distribution of serum ferritin is closely correlated with treatment interventions and may represent a good marker of the 'quality' of anaemia management in renal units.