Slowing Chronic Kidney Disease Progression
These modules address chronic kidney disease assessment and management with a focus on patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD, stages 4-5) and the intersection of CKD and heart disease.
Overall Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Adopt patient-centered medication management strategies to address CKD progression in the context of a multidisciplinary team using the pharmacist patient care process framework (collect, assess, plan, implement, monitor and evaluate, and document activities).
- Assess kidney function for staging CKD and drug dosing using contemporary methods for estimating glomerular filtration rate with consideration of the utility and limitations of each method.
- Design prevention, treatment, and patient education strategies for slowing chronic kidney disease progression that incorporate evidence-based pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment.
- Create care plans that address disparities in CKD to achieve pharmacoequity.
- Construct strategies to address the common clinical controversies in the management of cardiometabolic complications in a patient with CKD to optimize medication management.
- Describe barriers to medication adherence and facilitate strategies to improve medication adherence in patients with CKD.
- Initiate appropriate deprescribing measures to reduce medication burden and/or harm in patients with kidney disease.
- Identify and prioritize opportunities for pharmacists to optimize health care and provide comprehensive medication management (CMM) for patients in value-based payment systems.
*Cases will be used throughout to provide application-based learning opportunities.
Offering free CE for Pharmacists, Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.
ACCME, ACPE, ANCC
Course Modules
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 modules
The prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is rising in the United States. National efforts have been implemented to improve the quality of care and outcomes of people with CKD. For the first time in decades, there are exciting new therapies available that have been proven to slow the progression of CKD. This module on Chronic Kidney Disease and Management will discuss the evaluation of kidney function, management of CKD and opportunities for Pharmacists; and you will apply concepts to a patient case.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Asses Kidney Function
- Describe Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and its epidemiology
- Describe management of CKD
- Define value-based Care
- Identify opportunities for Pharmacists
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations are used for kidney disease staging, to assess kidney disease progression, and drug dosing. Which equation to use is a controversial area. This module will discuss the newest equations that removed race as a variable.. This module focuses on the basis for these changes, compares accuracy of these new equations to the older equations and demonstrates the rationale for using non-indexed results from this new equation for drug-related decision making.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Articulate rationale for replacing older raced based equations with non-race-based ‘race-less’ estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations
- Explain limitations of older raced based methods to estimate kidney function for the purpose of drug-related decision-making
- Identify benefits and limitations for using serum creatinine and cystatin-C based methods to estimate kidney function
- Justify use of non-indexed vs indexed results in underweight and overweight individuals for drug-related decision-making
Time: 30 minutes
This is an important topic for pharmacists and health care providers who see people with kidney disease. This module will cover the evaluation of kidney function part 2, focusing on the application of the race-less eGFR equation to stage Chronic Kidney Disease, evaluate when evidence-based medication therapy is warranted and determine a drug dosing regimen. It is recommended to review Evaluation of Kidney Function – Part 1: Use of Race-Less eGFR before taking this module.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Review the recommended race-less eGFR equations covered in Part 1 and their clinical application
- Determine when kidney function is stable and the race-less eGFR equations are appropriate for CKD staging
- Use information from eGFR assessment to determine necessary evidence-based therapies to address kidney and cardiometabolic outcomes
A majority of medications are primarily eliminated by the kidneys. As kidney function declines in chronic kidney disease, altered pharmacokinetics necessitate dosage adjustment to minimize toxicity risk while ensuring optimal efficacy. This module will provide the underpinning pharmacokinetic rationale for these medication dosage adjustments, using practical examples of commonly used medications in clinical practice.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Describe clinically relevant changes in pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) that occur as kidney function declines.
- Differentiate data derived from PK studies and outcomes studies to make drug therapy decisions.
- Design a medication regimen and monitoring plan for high-risk medications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Design strategies to engage patients and caregivers in the design of their medication regimen to promote efficacy and safety.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs have benefits beyond blood pressure control in people with kidney disease. These include slowing kidney disease progression, reducing albuminuria, and reducing cardiovascular risk. But data shows only a fraction of patients who are eligible for an ACEi or an ARB receive one. This module focuses on the evidence behind the role of ACEis and ARBs in patients living with kidney disease, and will also discuss how to safely initiate and monitor ACEis and ARBs in patients with kidney disease.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Summarize the evidence to support use of ACEIs/ARBs for slowing CKD progression, reducing albuminuria and reducing cardiovascular risk
- Determine the goals of therapy for critical effectiveness and safety endpoints for use of ACEIs/ARBs in patients with kidney disease
- Using a patient case, apply guideline-directed medication therapy (or evidence-based medication practice) for ACEi/ARB use to reduce CKD progression, albuminuria and cardiovascular risk
- Using a patient case, appropriately initiate and monitor ACEi/ARB for safety and effectiveness in a patient with CKD
SGLT2 inhibitors are an addition to our pharmacotherapy toolkit that have cardio- and kidney-protective benefits for individuals with kidney disease. New information from clinical trials has prompted guideline updates from leading diabetes and nephrology organizations. In this module, we will review the supporting evidence and guidelines in addition to discussing clinical considerations for the optimal use of SGLT inhibitors in improving cardiometabolic and kidney outcomes.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Describe current recommendations/guidance for SGLT-2i use
- Review proposed mechanisms of cardio- and kidney-protective effects of SGLT-2is
- Summarize supporting evidence for SGLT-2is in slowing CKD progression, reducing albuminuria & cardiovascular risk
- Apply guideline-directed medication therapy to initiate, monitor, and modify SGLT-2i use
- Outline strategies to improve pharmacoequity in use of SGLT-2is
Time: 30 minutes
The cardiovascular benefits of GLP1 RAs have been well characterized in several large cardiovascular outcome trials. The benefits of secondary kidney outcomes in those with diabetes have been observed in these trials. In this module, we will review current evidence supporting the benefits of GLP-1 RAs in the patients with kidney disease. We will also review current clinical guidelines and recommendations for their use and discuss medication and patient-specific efficacy and safety considerations when using them in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Summarize the evidence to support use of GLP1RAs for slowing CKD progression, reducing albuminuria and cardiovascular risk
- Determine the goals of therapy for critical effectiveness and safety endpoints for use of GLP1RAs in patients with kidney disease
- Design care plans to facilitate pharmacoequity for the use of GLP4RAs by ensuring access and optimal use across populations
- Using a patient case:
- Apply guideline-directed medication therapy (or evidence-based medication practice) for GLP1RAs use to reduce CKD progression, albuminuria and cardiovascular risk
- Create a monitoring plan for GLP1RAs safety and effectiveness in a patient with CKD
- Describe potential complications of GLP1RAs in patients with CKD stages 4-5
Time: 30 minutes
A new non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), finerenone, is FDA-approved for kidney and heart protection in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this module, we will be introducing the different MRAs that are commercially available and discussing the evidence to support their use in patients with kidney disease. This will include a focus on criteria for use of finerenone in our patients with type 2 diabetes, and the patient-specific considerations of when to use this medication.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Summarize the evidence to support use of finerenone, a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), compared to other steroidal MRAs for slowing CKD progression, reducing albuminuria and cardiovascular risk.
- Determine the goals of therapy for critical effectiveness and safety endpoints for use of MRAs in patients with kidney disease
- Design care plans to facilitate pharmacoequity for the use of GLP4RAs by ensuring access and optimal use across populations
- Using a patient case:
- Apply guideline-directed medication therapy (or evidence-based medication practice) for MRA use to reduce CKD progression, albuminuria and cardiovascular risk
- Create a monitoring plan for MRAs safety and effectiveness in a patient with CKD
- Describe the risk of hyperkalemia with MRAs and finerenone in patients with CKD stages 4-5 and apply strategies to reduce hyperkalemia if it occurs
Time: 30 minutes
The management of chronic heart failure in the setting of chronic kidney disease is an important topic, particularly for pharmacists, because the cornerstone for the treatment of heart failure is pharmacotherapy. Heart failure also remains the leading discharge diagnosis among patients greater than 65, and anywhere from 40 to 45% of individuals who have chronic heart failure also have some form of chronic kidney disease. In this module, we will cover the importance of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), pharmacologic diuresis, and altering GDTM for those with CKD.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Discuss pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies to monitor and maintain euvolemia in a patient with heart failure and CKD
- Apply guideline-directed medication management in a patients with heart failure and CKD
- Describe complications of guideline directed medical therapy for heart failure in a patient with CKD
Time: 60 minutes
Hyperkalemia is a significant risk of medications that slow progression of chronic kidney disease. Oftentimes these medications or their optimal doses are avoided as a means to mitigate the risk of hyperkalemia, withholding the full potential benefit for our patients. Complicating this problem is the reality that evidence-based guidelines for managing hyperkalemia in patients with chronic kidney disease are sparse. In this module, we will cover risks of hyperkalemia, describe current guidelines that discuss hyperkalemia in CKD, and summarize a patient-centered approach to prevent and treat hyperkalemia.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Describe risk factors for hyperkalemia in patients with CKD and the pharmacologic therapies associated with development of hyperkalemia
- Differentiate the mechanism of action, timing of the effect on potassium lowering, and drug interactions with patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate
- Develop a plan to prevent and manage hyperkalemia that includes dietary considerations and use of potassium binding agents using a patient case
- Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of a low potassium diet for the treatment and prevention of hyperkalemia in a patient with CKD
Patients with chronic kidney disease are often prescribed numerous medications to treat comorbidities, slow the progression of their kidney disease, and to minimize morbidity and mortality. These complex medication regimens lead to an increased potential for medication therapy problems. This module discusses common medication therapy problems associated with chronic kidney disease, medication reconciliation for this population, and the contributions that pharmacists can provide in medication therapy management.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Identify medications that can accelerate kidney function decline both acutely and chronically
- Define prescribing cascades and determine when it is appropriate to deprescribe medications in patients with CKD to minimize pill burden and potential for adverse events
- Utilize a medication financial assistance tool to improve patient access to guideline directed medication therapy
- Develop a plan to address medication therapy problems given a patient case
While hypertension is the second leading cause of CKD in the US, we also know that CKD can cause hypertension. Controlling blood pressure becomes more difficult as kidney disease progresses. In this module, we will cover pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to help individuals with late stage chronic kidney disease control their blood pressure.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Discuss the goal blood pressure for kidney and cardiovascular benefits and the controversies with defining target blood pressure
- Optimize blood pressure management in stage 4 and 5 CKD with use of thiazide, loop diuretics and their combination
- Recommend appropriate diuretic therapy to control volume status and the necessary monitoring parameters
- Identify patients that may benefit from addition of a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist to improve blood pressure management in stage 4 and 5 CKD and determine an appropriate monitoring plan
Time: 45 minutes
Implementation of kidney protective medications in patients with diabetes is challenging. This module highlights the complexities of managing diabetes, including medication access and addressing disparities in care to provide practical guidance for the pharmacist to optimize medication management. This module supplements the previous medication focused modules that more comprehensively review the contemporary management of diabetes.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Recommend preferred oral anti-diabetic agents based on the benefits and risks in patients with diabetes and CKD
- Describe the disparities that exist with prescribing and access to preferred oral anti-diabetic medications in patients with CKD
- Determine the appropriate insulin agent and regimen for a patient with advanced CKD based on goals of therapy and concomitant therapies
Value-based care has the potential to revolutionize the way pharmacists practice. The success of value-based programs are contingent upon patient outcomes, which are often influenced by the medication therapy problems. Thus, pharmacists are well positioned to be key members of value-based care teams to address complex medication therapy problems in patients with CKD. Value-based kidney care is in its infancy, so it is vital for the pharmacy workforce to be prepared and integrate into these programs.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Describe value-based models of care in nephrology practice
- Identify opportunities for pharmacists to provide patient centered CMM to patients with CKD
- Utilize reimbursement strategies to integrate a pharmacist into nephrology practices to optimize medication management in patients with CKD
These modules address chronic kidney disease assessment and management with a focus on patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD, stages 4-5) and the intersection of CKD and heart disease.
Overall Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Adopt patient-centered medication management strategies to address CKD progression in the context of a multidisciplinary team using the pharmacist patient care process framework (collect, assess, plan, implement, monitor and evaluate, and document activities).
- Assess kidney function for staging CKD and drug dosing using contemporary methods for estimating glomerular filtration rate with consideration of the utility and limitations of each method.
- Design prevention, treatment, and patient education strategies for slowing chronic kidney disease progression that incorporate evidence-based pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment.
- Create care plans that address disparities in CKD to achieve pharmacoequity.
- Construct strategies to address the common clinical controversies in the management of cardiometabolic complications in a patient with CKD to optimize medication management.
- Describe barriers to medication adherence and facilitate strategies to improve medication adherence in patients with CKD.
- Initiate appropriate deprescribing measures to reduce medication burden and/or harm in patients with kidney disease.
- Identify and prioritize opportunities for pharmacists to optimize health care and provide comprehensive medication management (CMM) for patients in value-based payment systems.
*Cases will be used throughout to provide application-based learning opportunities.
Offering free CE for Pharmacists, Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.
ACCME, ACPE, ANCC
Course Modules
The prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is rising in the United States. National efforts have been implemented to improve the quality of care and outcomes of people with CKD. For the first time in decades, there are exciting new therapies available that have been proven to slow the progression of CKD. This module on Chronic Kidney Disease and Management will discuss the evaluation of kidney function, management of CKD and opportunities for Pharmacists; and you will apply concepts to a patient case.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Asses Kidney Function
- Describe Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and its epidemiology
- Describe management of CKD
- Define value-based Care
- Identify opportunities for Pharmacists
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations are used for kidney disease staging, to assess kidney disease progression, and drug dosing. Which equation to use is a controversial area. This module will discuss the newest equations that removed race as a variable.. This module focuses on the basis for these changes, compares accuracy of these new equations to the older equations and demonstrates the rationale for using non-indexed results from this new equation for drug-related decision making.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Articulate rationale for replacing older raced based equations with non-race-based ‘race-less’ estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations
- Explain limitations of older raced based methods to estimate kidney function for the purpose of drug-related decision-making
- Identify benefits and limitations for using serum creatinine and cystatin-C based methods to estimate kidney function
- Justify use of non-indexed vs indexed results in underweight and overweight individuals for drug-related decision-making
Time: 30 minutes
This is an important topic for pharmacists and health care providers who see people with kidney disease. This module will cover the evaluation of kidney function part 2, focusing on the application of the race-less eGFR equation to stage Chronic Kidney Disease, evaluate when evidence-based medication therapy is warranted and determine a drug dosing regimen. It is recommended to review Evaluation of Kidney Function – Part 1: Use of Race-Less eGFR before taking this module.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Review the recommended race-less eGFR equations covered in Part 1 and their clinical application
- Determine when kidney function is stable and the race-less eGFR equations are appropriate for CKD staging
- Use information from eGFR assessment to determine necessary evidence-based therapies to address kidney and cardiometabolic outcomes
A majority of medications are primarily eliminated by the kidneys. As kidney function declines in chronic kidney disease, altered pharmacokinetics necessitate dosage adjustment to minimize toxicity risk while ensuring optimal efficacy. This module will provide the underpinning pharmacokinetic rationale for these medication dosage adjustments, using practical examples of commonly used medications in clinical practice.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Describe clinically relevant changes in pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) that occur as kidney function declines.
- Differentiate data derived from PK studies and outcomes studies to make drug therapy decisions.
- Design a medication regimen and monitoring plan for high-risk medications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Design strategies to engage patients and caregivers in the design of their medication regimen to promote efficacy and safety.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs have benefits beyond blood pressure control in people with kidney disease. These include slowing kidney disease progression, reducing albuminuria, and reducing cardiovascular risk. But data shows only a fraction of patients who are eligible for an ACEi or an ARB receive one. This module focuses on the evidence behind the role of ACEis and ARBs in patients living with kidney disease, and will also discuss how to safely initiate and monitor ACEis and ARBs in patients with kidney disease.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Summarize the evidence to support use of ACEIs/ARBs for slowing CKD progression, reducing albuminuria and reducing cardiovascular risk
- Determine the goals of therapy for critical effectiveness and safety endpoints for use of ACEIs/ARBs in patients with kidney disease
- Using a patient case, apply guideline-directed medication therapy (or evidence-based medication practice) for ACEi/ARB use to reduce CKD progression, albuminuria and cardiovascular risk
- Using a patient case, appropriately initiate and monitor ACEi/ARB for safety and effectiveness in a patient with CKD
SGLT2 inhibitors are an addition to our pharmacotherapy toolkit that have cardio- and kidney-protective benefits for individuals with kidney disease. New information from clinical trials has prompted guideline updates from leading diabetes and nephrology organizations. In this module, we will review the supporting evidence and guidelines in addition to discussing clinical considerations for the optimal use of SGLT inhibitors in improving cardiometabolic and kidney outcomes.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Describe current recommendations/guidance for SGLT-2i use
- Review proposed mechanisms of cardio- and kidney-protective effects of SGLT-2is
- Summarize supporting evidence for SGLT-2is in slowing CKD progression, reducing albuminuria & cardiovascular risk
- Apply guideline-directed medication therapy to initiate, monitor, and modify SGLT-2i use
- Outline strategies to improve pharmacoequity in use of SGLT-2is
Time: 30 minutes
The cardiovascular benefits of GLP1 RAs have been well characterized in several large cardiovascular outcome trials. The benefits of secondary kidney outcomes in those with diabetes have been observed in these trials. In this module, we will review current evidence supporting the benefits of GLP-1 RAs in the patients with kidney disease. We will also review current clinical guidelines and recommendations for their use and discuss medication and patient-specific efficacy and safety considerations when using them in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Summarize the evidence to support use of GLP1RAs for slowing CKD progression, reducing albuminuria and cardiovascular risk
- Determine the goals of therapy for critical effectiveness and safety endpoints for use of GLP1RAs in patients with kidney disease
- Design care plans to facilitate pharmacoequity for the use of GLP4RAs by ensuring access and optimal use across populations
- Using a patient case:
- Apply guideline-directed medication therapy (or evidence-based medication practice) for GLP1RAs use to reduce CKD progression, albuminuria and cardiovascular risk
- Create a monitoring plan for GLP1RAs safety and effectiveness in a patient with CKD
- Describe potential complications of GLP1RAs in patients with CKD stages 4-5
Time: 30 minutes
A new non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), finerenone, is FDA-approved for kidney and heart protection in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this module, we will be introducing the different MRAs that are commercially available and discussing the evidence to support their use in patients with kidney disease. This will include a focus on criteria for use of finerenone in our patients with type 2 diabetes, and the patient-specific considerations of when to use this medication.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Summarize the evidence to support use of finerenone, a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), compared to other steroidal MRAs for slowing CKD progression, reducing albuminuria and cardiovascular risk.
- Determine the goals of therapy for critical effectiveness and safety endpoints for use of MRAs in patients with kidney disease
- Design care plans to facilitate pharmacoequity for the use of GLP4RAs by ensuring access and optimal use across populations
- Using a patient case:
- Apply guideline-directed medication therapy (or evidence-based medication practice) for MRA use to reduce CKD progression, albuminuria and cardiovascular risk
- Create a monitoring plan for MRAs safety and effectiveness in a patient with CKD
- Describe the risk of hyperkalemia with MRAs and finerenone in patients with CKD stages 4-5 and apply strategies to reduce hyperkalemia if it occurs
Time: 30 minutes
The management of chronic heart failure in the setting of chronic kidney disease is an important topic, particularly for pharmacists, because the cornerstone for the treatment of heart failure is pharmacotherapy. Heart failure also remains the leading discharge diagnosis among patients greater than 65, and anywhere from 40 to 45% of individuals who have chronic heart failure also have some form of chronic kidney disease. In this module, we will cover the importance of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), pharmacologic diuresis, and altering GDTM for those with CKD.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Discuss pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies to monitor and maintain euvolemia in a patient with heart failure and CKD
- Apply guideline-directed medication management in a patients with heart failure and CKD
- Describe complications of guideline directed medical therapy for heart failure in a patient with CKD
Time: 60 minutes
Hyperkalemia is a significant risk of medications that slow progression of chronic kidney disease. Oftentimes these medications or their optimal doses are avoided as a means to mitigate the risk of hyperkalemia, withholding the full potential benefit for our patients. Complicating this problem is the reality that evidence-based guidelines for managing hyperkalemia in patients with chronic kidney disease are sparse. In this module, we will cover risks of hyperkalemia, describe current guidelines that discuss hyperkalemia in CKD, and summarize a patient-centered approach to prevent and treat hyperkalemia.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Describe risk factors for hyperkalemia in patients with CKD and the pharmacologic therapies associated with development of hyperkalemia
- Differentiate the mechanism of action, timing of the effect on potassium lowering, and drug interactions with patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate
- Develop a plan to prevent and manage hyperkalemia that includes dietary considerations and use of potassium binding agents using a patient case
- Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of a low potassium diet for the treatment and prevention of hyperkalemia in a patient with CKD
Patients with chronic kidney disease are often prescribed numerous medications to treat comorbidities, slow the progression of their kidney disease, and to minimize morbidity and mortality. These complex medication regimens lead to an increased potential for medication therapy problems. This module discusses common medication therapy problems associated with chronic kidney disease, medication reconciliation for this population, and the contributions that pharmacists can provide in medication therapy management.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Identify medications that can accelerate kidney function decline both acutely and chronically
- Define prescribing cascades and determine when it is appropriate to deprescribe medications in patients with CKD to minimize pill burden and potential for adverse events
- Utilize a medication financial assistance tool to improve patient access to guideline directed medication therapy
- Develop a plan to address medication therapy problems given a patient case
While hypertension is the second leading cause of CKD in the US, we also know that CKD can cause hypertension. Controlling blood pressure becomes more difficult as kidney disease progresses. In this module, we will cover pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to help individuals with late stage chronic kidney disease control their blood pressure.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Discuss the goal blood pressure for kidney and cardiovascular benefits and the controversies with defining target blood pressure
- Optimize blood pressure management in stage 4 and 5 CKD with use of thiazide, loop diuretics and their combination
- Recommend appropriate diuretic therapy to control volume status and the necessary monitoring parameters
- Identify patients that may benefit from addition of a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist to improve blood pressure management in stage 4 and 5 CKD and determine an appropriate monitoring plan
Time: 45 minutes
Implementation of kidney protective medications in patients with diabetes is challenging. This module highlights the complexities of managing diabetes, including medication access and addressing disparities in care to provide practical guidance for the pharmacist to optimize medication management. This module supplements the previous medication focused modules that more comprehensively review the contemporary management of diabetes.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Recommend preferred oral anti-diabetic agents based on the benefits and risks in patients with diabetes and CKD
- Describe the disparities that exist with prescribing and access to preferred oral anti-diabetic medications in patients with CKD
- Determine the appropriate insulin agent and regimen for a patient with advanced CKD based on goals of therapy and concomitant therapies
Value-based care has the potential to revolutionize the way pharmacists practice. The success of value-based programs are contingent upon patient outcomes, which are often influenced by the medication therapy problems. Thus, pharmacists are well positioned to be key members of value-based care teams to address complex medication therapy problems in patients with CKD. Value-based kidney care is in its infancy, so it is vital for the pharmacy workforce to be prepared and integrate into these programs.
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
- Describe value-based models of care in nephrology practice
- Identify opportunities for pharmacists to provide patient centered CMM to patients with CKD
- Utilize reimbursement strategies to integrate a pharmacist into nephrology practices to optimize medication management in patients with CKD
