187967 - Closing the gap: Identifying and reducing risk of chronic kidney disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The screening and preventive activities for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in general practice are simple, cost effective and achievable. However, the guidelines for CKD screening are different in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population compared to non-Indigenous Australians. This activity will therefore look at these guidelines and the appropriate and timely screening and preventive activities for CKD detection and management.

Relevance to General Practice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a greatly increased prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are approximately five times more likely than non-Indigenous Australians to develop end-stage kidney failure. However, if early-stage CKD is detected and managed appropriately, the deterioration of kidney function can be reduced and may even be reversible in some cases.
General practitioners (GPs) are best placed to conduct simple screening activities and detect CKD early, and this activity will focus on screening procedures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It will also look at working together with their patients to address modifiable risks and institute appropriate monitoring and management with consideration of the psycho-social context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Learning outcomes

• Identify patients at risk of CKD.
• Outline the preventative strategies available to those at risk.
• Discuss the appropriate management of CKD with consideration of the psycho-social context.
• Domains of General Practice

  D1. Communication skills and the patient-doctor relationship

  • Ways in which health can be optimised and maintained are communicated to patients, family members and carers

  D2. Applied professional knowledge and skills

  • Diagnosis and management is evidence-based and relevant to the needs of the patient

  D3. Population health and the context of general practice

  • The patterns and prevalence of disease are incorporated into screening and management practices

  D4. Professional and ethical role

  D5. Organisational and legal dimensions

  Curriculum Contextual Units
  • Aboriginal and Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander health
  • Adult health