Stepped-Wedge Trial of Decision Support for Acute Kidney Injury on Surgical Units

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in the perioperative setting and associated with poor outcomes. Whether clinical decision support improves early management and outcomes of AKI on surgical units is uncertain.

Methods

In this cluster-randomized, stepped-wedge trial, 8 surgical units in Alberta, Canada were randomized to various start dates to receive an education and clinical decision support intervention for recognition and early management of AKI. Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years, receiving care on a surgical unit, not already receiving dialysis, and with AKI.

Results

There were 2135 admissions of 2038 patients who met the inclusion criteria; mean (SD) age was 64.3 (16.2) years, and 885 (41.4%) were females. The proportion of patients who experienced the composite primary outcome of progression of AKI to a higher stage, receipt of dialysis, or death was 16.0% (178 events/1113 admissions) in the intervention group; and 17.5% (179 events/1022 admissions) in the control group (time-adjusted odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53–1.08; P = 0.12). There were no significant differences between groups in process of care outcomes within 48 hours of AKI onset, including administration of i.v. fluids, or withdrawal of medications affecting kidney function. Both groups experienced similar lengths of stay in hospital after AKI and change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 3 months.

Conclusion

An education and clinical decision support intervention did not significantly improve processes of care or reduce progression of AKI, length of hospital stays, or recovery of kidney function in patients with AKI on surgical units.