Kidney Health and Care: Current Status, Challenges, and Developments

The concept of chronic kidney disease (CKD) originated in the 2000s, and an estimated 850 million patients are currently suffering from health threats from different degrees of CKD. However, it is unclear whether the existing CKD care systems are optimal for improving patient prognosis and outcomes, so this review summarizes the burden, existing care models, effectiveness, challenges, and developments of CKD care. Even under the general care principles, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the causes of CKD, prevention or care resources, and care burdens between countries worldwide. Receiving care from multidisciplinary teams rather than only a nephrologist shows potential profits in comprehensive and preferable outcomes. In addition, we propose a novel CKD care structure that combines modern technologies, biosensors, longitudinal data visualization, machine learning algorithms, and mobile care. The novel care structure could simultaneously change the care process, significantly reduce human contact, and make the vulnerable population less likely to be exposed to infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The information offered should be beneficial, allowing us to rethink future CKD care models and applications to reach the goals of health equality and sustainability.

Automated summary

The concept of chronic kidney disease (CKD) originated in the 2000s, with an estimated 850 million patients worldwide. This review examines the burden, existing care models, effectiveness, challenges, and developments of CKD care. Multidisciplinary teams show potential profits in achieving comprehensive and preferable outcomes. In addition, a novel CKD care structure using modern technologies, biosensors, data visualization, machine learning algorithms, and mobile care is proposed to reduce human contact and protect the vulnerable population from infectious diseases.