Practical Requirements for the Development of an Advanced Cardiorenal Unit

Abstract

Background: Heart failure is frequently associated with kidney disease, and patients with kidney disease are at increased risk of heart failure. The co-occurrence of both entities not only significantly increases morbidity and mortality but also complicates therapy.

Summary: Cardiorenal syndrome often requires a broad, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary approach. As a result, a need has arisen to create specialized cardiorenal units that allow for rigorous and personalized management of this condition. Moreover, in some cases, cardiorenal syndrome is more complex, owing to an acute and critical situation that requires the concept of the cardiorenal unit to be extended toward advanced diagnostic and therapeutic positions, thus confirming the need for an advanced cardiorenal unit. The creation of these units constitutes a real challenge, necessitating a specific multilevel action plan, covering governance and management, type of patient, personnel requirements, service portfolio, care process, information systems, and other resources. Specific lines of action must be proposed for each of the relevant points in order to facilitate development of these units, together with continuous evaluation of unit activity through specific indicators, and to detect areas for improvement.

Key messages: This study addresses the conditions and organizational characteristics that enable the creation, development, and continuous improvement of advanced cardiorenal units.

Keywords: Advanced cardiorenal clinics; Cardiorenal syndrome; Cardiorenal unit; Heart failure; Kidney disease.