People with chronic kidney disease were invited to take part in a survey that is expected to help improve future experiences and outcomes for sufferers.

The Ministry of Health said it aimed to develop a Chronic Kidney Disease Integrated Care Pathway as part of efforts to improve access to affordable, quality healthcare for all residents, through universal health coverage and system reform.

It added: “Integrated care pathways are multidisciplinary approaches that detail the essential care steps for people with specific needs, in this case people living with CKD.

“They cover patient care from beginning to end and define what happens, when, and who is responsible at any stage of the care journey.”

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said: “The recently conducted Joint Strategic Needs Assessment highlights the fact that chronic kidney disease has a disproportionate impact on Bermuda’s health burden and is linked to other important chronic diseases in Bermuda, including diabetes, obesity and hypertension.

“It also appears to have a disproportionate cost burden.

“The current path we are on regarding CKD is not sustainable, which is why the development of this integrated care pathway was prioritised.

“The end goal is to improve access to health services and the overall health outcomes of those living with CKD, as we work to build a more sustainable health system for Bermuda.”

The Chronic Kidney Disease Community Survey was launched this month for people who have been formally diagnosed with CKD and are receiving treatment.

It can be accessed through the Media section of the Bermuda Health Strategy website at www.healthstrategy.bm. Feedback will remain anonymous.

The survey is expected to take no more than 15 minutes to complete; responses must be submitted by June 25, 2023.

Ms Wilson said: “Participating in this survey is an opportunity for our community members to use their voices and have a say in health system reform.

“We ask that those reading this article spread the word so that participation levels can be as high and diverse as possible.”

The ministry explained: “The Chronic Kidney Disease Integrated Care Pathway initiative is being driven by a multidisciplinary working group that is chaired by Bermuda Hospitals Board consultant nephrologist, Peter Topham.

“The care pathway mapping process will include a series of one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders such as health service providers, those living with CKD and their families, stakeholder workshops, and surveying the broader community with this survey.

“All feedback received will inform the development of a map of Bermuda’s current and future CKD care journey.”

Dr Topham said: “In Bermuda, chronic kidney disease is all too common and estimated to be found in approximately 14 per cent of Bermuda’s overall population.

“This rises to 30 per cent of those older than 65 years.

“The prevalence of kidney disease in Bermuda is not only having a detrimental impact on the lives of those living with the disease, but also placing an enormous burden on the island’s health system.

“The increasing need for CKD-related health services, combined with the rising costs of providing long-term dialysis is unsustainable.

“The Chronic Kidney Disease Integrated Care Pathway should not only assist in improving the experience and outcomes of existing CKD patients, but also enable an increased focus on prevention.

“Prevention is critical to a sustainable way forward.”