Barriers and Facilitators in Timely Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease: Evidences for Decision-Makers

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is classified, according to the glomerular filtratation rate. Timely diagnosis during the first three stages represents a lower expenditure for health systems in the treatment of this disease. Thus, this study intends to identify barriers and facilitators in timely detection of CKD, from the perspective of healthcare providers. This is an exploratory study of the qualitative type. A mapping of the literature was carried out in order to develop the following topics: perceptions of the implications of CKD for the health system at an international level and in Mexico, as well as experience related to barriers and facilitators in timely CKD detection in Mexico. Based on the identified topics, semi-structured interviews were carried out with decision-makers, operational personnel, civil and academic associations representatives in Mexico City and Cuernavaca, Morelos. The main identified barriers were: system fragmentation; overload of services at first and second levels of care; insufficient human resources; lack of updating of the clinical practice guide and scarce training. With respect to facilitators, we found there are civil society actions. Finally, requirements for timely detection of CKD are consistent with what is described in the international guides. The identification of barriers and facilitators in timely CKD detection gives us an outlook of the problem in Mexico and leads to proposals for action. The development of a national program with a strategy for timely detection of CKD may help unify inter-institutional criteria considering the protocols for clinical practice that take into account each institution's organization and resources.

Keywords: Accesibility; Availability; Chronic kidney disease; Timely detection; Utilization.