Bridging Community and Acute Care
MyHeartandCKD
What if Chronic Kidney Disease Patients had a Decision Tool that Made Risks and Benefits Clear?
Lead
Matthew James
Co-Lead
Stephen Wilton
Additional Contributors
Todd Wilson, Pantea Javaheri, Julie Babione
Share this project
Share this project
Bridging Community and Acute Care
MyHeartandCKD
What if Chronic Kidney Disease Patients had a Decision Tool that Made Risks and Benefits Clear?
Lead
Matthew James
Co-Lead
Stephen Wilton
Additional Contributors
Todd Wilson, Pantea Javaheri, Julie Babione
Share this project
THE CHALLENGE
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face complex challenges when undergoing heart disease tests and treatments, which carry unique risks for this population. Many CKD patients lack the information needed to make informed, personalized choices about these procedures, potentially resulting in hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and decreased survival. Effective communication of individualized risks and benefits is crucial to support decision-making based on each patient’s values and needs.
THE CHALLENGE
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face complex challenges when undergoing heart disease tests and treatments, which carry unique risks for this population. Many CKD patients lack the information needed to make informed, personalized choices about these procedures, potentially resulting in hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and decreased survival. Effective communication of individualized risks and benefits is crucial to support decision-making based on each patient’s values and needs.
THE CHALLENGE
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face complex challenges when undergoing heart disease tests and treatments, which carry unique risks for this population. Many CKD patients lack the information needed to make informed, personalized choices about these procedures, potentially resulting in hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and decreased survival. Effective communication of individualized risks and benefits is crucial to support decision-making based on each patient’s values and needs.
THE INNOVATION
This tool is a shared decision-making (SDM) aid designed specifically for patients with CKD who are facing choices about heart disease tests and treatments. It delivers personalized information on the potential benefits and risks of each option, helping patients and healthcare providers engage in informed, collaborative conversations that prioritize patient values, preferences, and overall health goals, so decisions are both evidence-based and aligned with what matters most to the patient.
THE INNOVATION
This tool is a shared decision-making (SDM) aid designed specifically for patients with CKD who are facing choices about heart disease tests and treatments. It delivers personalized information on the potential benefits and risks of each option, helping patients and healthcare providers engage in informed, collaborative conversations that prioritize patient values, preferences, and overall health goals, so decisions are both evidence-based and aligned with what matters most to the patient.
HOW IT WORKS
The decision aid helps patients compare two treatment options, showing likely outcomes with simple visuals and explanations. Patients rank what matters most to them, so decisions reflect their values and support meaningful shared decision-making with their healthcare providers.
HOW IT WORKS
The decision aid helps patients compare two treatment options, showing likely outcomes with simple visuals and explanations. Patients rank what matters most to them, so decisions reflect their values and support meaningful shared decision-making with their healthcare providers.
THE BENEFITS
For Users
Enhanced Understanding: The tool helps CKD patients comprehend complex risk-benefit information tailored to their health profile.
Increased Confidence: Patients gain confidence in their treatment choices, thanks to clear visuals and data that support understanding and alignment with personal values.
Improved Patient-Provider Communication: Facilitates open dialogue, fostering trust and shared goals in the decision-making process.
For The System
Reduced Hospitalizations and Costs: By avoiding unnecessary procedures, the tool supports better health outcomes and reduces healthcare costs.
Enhanced Clinical Practice: Embedding the tool in clinical workflows promotes consistent, patient-centered care and shared decision-making across healthcare settings.
Improved Health Outcomes: By aligning treatments with patient priorities, the tool contributes to improved quality of life and potentially extended survival for CKD patients.
THE BENEFITS
For Users
Enhanced Understanding: The tool helps CKD patients comprehend complex risk-benefit information tailored to their health profile.
Increased Confidence: Patients gain confidence in their treatment choices, thanks to clear visuals and data that support understanding and alignment with personal values.
Improved Patient-Provider Communication: Facilitates open dialogue, fostering trust and shared goals in the decision-making process.
For The System
Reduced Hospitalizations and Costs: By avoiding unnecessary procedures, the tool supports better health outcomes and reduces healthcare costs.
Enhanced Clinical Practice: Embedding the tool in clinical workflows promotes consistent, patient-centered care and shared decision-making across healthcare settings.
Improved Health Outcomes: By aligning treatments with patient priorities, the tool contributes to improved quality of life and potentially extended survival for CKD patients.
Get Involved
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View other projects and explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are transforming care across the province.
Explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are solving real-world challenges and shaping the future of care across the province.
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The Health Everywhere Hub portfolio map showcases academic-led projects tackling real healthcare challenges across Alberta. By highlighting shared goals and commonalities, we hope to spark collaboration and amplify impact across the system.
It’s more than a list of projects - this evolving collection shows what’s possible when partnerships, bold ideas, and real-world testing come together.