[Discrepancies in the perception of chronic kidney disease detection and proper management among medical specialties in Spain].

OBJECTIVE

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem. In 2022, a consensus document with CKD management recommendations was published in Spain. We aimed to analyze the perception of nephrology, endocrinology and primary care physicians (PCPs) specialist in Spain regarding the adoption of these guidelines.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Descriptive, national, multicenter study of professionals' perceptions regarding the adoption of the main recommendations of the consensus document. Differences between specialties were also explored. Perceptions were gathered during 40 meetings held by AstraZeneca in Spain.

RESULTS

Most specialists perceived significant underdiagnosis of CKD. Nephrologists and endocrinologists perceived low adoption of the CKD screening recommendation in PCPs, in contrast to what PCPs reported about their own practice. Regarding referrals to nephrology, 48.5% of nephrologists and 79.3% of endocrinologists and 77.8% of PCPs (referring to their own clinics) perceived high adoption. About 63.8% of nephrologists and 52.8% of PCPs perceived high adoption of the recommendation on effective communication between them. Endocrinologists perceived higher adoption of the recommendation to use a combined therapeutic strategy compared to PC and nephrology.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed low adherence to the recommendations, highlighting the need to encourage full adoption of the guidelines and to improve communication among professionals to optimize CKD diagnosis and treatment.