AQW 6064/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 09/02/2024
Answered On Date: 27/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an outline of actions being taken towards prevention and earlier diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.

Answer:

The management of chronic kidney disease remains the focus of a number of indicators in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) in General Practice. QOF rewards contractors for the provision of quality care and helps to standardise improvements in the delivery of primary medical services. QOF activity and reporting is currently suspended. Whilst GPs are currently not required to record activity undertaken in relation to QOF, they are required to continue to deliver care to these patients as clinically appropriate. QOF outcomes continue to be monitored by SPPG.

For secondary care improved CKD management (e.g., adequate blood pressure management) including use of SGLT-2 inhibitors to reduce cardiovascular events and slow progression of CKD is the key intervention.

Patients who develop chronic kidney disease present with many different symptoms many of whom are referred to and cared for by our endocrinology teams. During this care, it is standard practice to work to prevent chronic kidney disease from developing among those living with diabetes. This includes well established evidence-based care relating to dietary measures, weight and blood pressure control.

Through annual reviews with patients, clinical teams will action in line with early identification and treatments.