In a robust move to combat the underdiagnosis and mismanagement of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the United States, Premier, Inc., in collaboration with AstraZeneca and leading U.S. health systems, has launched the Uncover CKD – Care Collective. This initiative marks a significant stride towards using state-of-the-art technology to manage and improve outcomes for one of the country’s pressing public health concerns.

Chronic kidney disease affects more than 37 million Americans, a staggering figure compounded by the fact that 90% of them are unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness has serious implications for health outcomes and healthcare costs. In 2019, Medicare expenditures for patients with end-stage renal disease surged to $53 billion. Moreover, preventable hospitalizations related to CKD amounted to $79 million, underscoring a critical need for targeted intervention and improved management strategies.

The Uncover CKD – Care Collective is innovatively addressing this challenge by harnessing Premier’s PINC AI™ technology and services platform. The initiative aims to facilitate early diagnosis and nuanced care to effectively manage CKD at a reduced cost. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI)-powered clinical and operational solutions into health care practices, Premier is poised to aid healthcare providers in identifying at-risk patients who remain undiagnosed and optimise their care pathways.

Premier’s PINC AI™ platform offers a range of resources under this initiative. One of its core components, PINC AI™ Applied Sciences (PAS), utilizes vast healthcare data to pinpoint high-risk areas and unidentified CKD patients. The subsequent data on prevalence, patient characteristics, and associated clinical outcomes helps prioritize interventions at the hospital level and commit to sustained change.

Further tools include the PAS Improvement Science’s Health System Awareness Package that educates and engages healthcare providers and patients. Additionally, PINC AI™ Stanson brings AI-driven clinical decision support and real-time alerts directly into provider workflows, which is critical for modifying provider behaviors towards improved CKD screening and care quality. The initiative also offers comprehensive pharmacy resources and consulting services to foster operational efficiency and better medication management protocols.

Moreover, as part of Premier’s commitment to collaborative progress, outcomes from these efforts will be shared across the wider network of participating health systems. They aim to develop comprehensive documentation such as white papers and presentations for the National Kidney Foundation, and contributions to Premier’s 2024 Breakthroughs Conference & Exhibition.

Premier’s endeavor aligns seamlessly with AstraZeneca’s mission of driving patient-first solutions and scientific innovation. As noted by Rachele Berria, Vice President and Medical Head, US BioPharmaceuticals at AstraZeneca, leveraging real-world data through this partnership will catalyze earlier diagnosis and improved treatment protocols for millions of CKD patients.

This initiative not only signifies a transformative approach to managing a chronic health condition but also sets a precedent for future healthcare innovations where collaboration and advanced technology play pivotal roles in enhancing patient outcomes and cost-efficiency in care delivery. Hospitals and health systems interested in joining the initiative can gain access to a myriad of resources and tools developed to support CKD management, ensuring an extensive reach and impact of this vital health endeavor.