Role of networks in the screening and management of chronic kidney disease

Whatever the health care system, the prevention of chronic renal failure is at present limited by an insufficient use of available screening and treatment methods for chronic kidney disease. Consequently, most patients with chronic kidney disease remain exposed to an otherwise avoidable progression towards end-stage renal disease, an emergency start of dialysis, and increased cardiovascular risk. The coordination of care within a multiprofessionnal network including appropriate guidelines, continuous medical education and practice assessment, and patient information and therapeutic education, may radically change the prognosis of chronic kidney disease, and the burden of care.