Group Medical Care Models Transforming Access to Kidney Disease Treatment: An Argentine Experience

Abstract

As the prevalence of kidney disease rises in Latin America, there is increasing awareness of the importance of early detection and prevention. However, in a region characterized by socioeconomic inequality, variable access to care, and an overwhelmed primary health system, health professionals must find new and innovative ways of delivering care that is cost effective and mindful of patients’ needs and social determinants of health. Group medical care (GMC), a model combining group visits and peer support with personalized care, has emerged as an intervention with proven benefits in clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost effectiveness in the management of chronic illnesses. In this article we present the case of Renalida, a kidney clinic in Argentina that has adopted GMC to improve access, engagement, and standards of care for older patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Beyond it being the first documented case of GMC for CKD in Latin America, Renalida brings to light many of the common barriers to effective early CKD care throughout the region and proposes a viable and holistic solution. In addition, we explore future directions, including the application of implementation science to leverage strategies such as GMC to improve both access to and quality of CKD care.