Caring for OUTPatiEnts after Acute Kidney Injury (COPE-AKI)

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) affects ~60% of all ICU patients and is associated with non-ICU hospital complications including kidney failure, clinical decline, and death. Most research investigates the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of hospitalized patients with AKI. Few interventional studies, however, address AKI patient outcomes following hospital discharge, a concerning gap given that 20% of patients with AKI are readmitted within 30 days post-hospitalization and are at greater risk for adverse clinical outcomes. Managing AKI post-hospitalization is further exacerbated by delayed follow-ups, lack of continuity of care, and suboptimal medication management.

This trial aims to develop best practices in caring for patients after hospitalization with moderate to severe acute kidney injury (AKI) by comparing the standard of care against the study team intervention. Individuals assigned to the study intervention will receive multimodal care recommendations from a team of providers, including a nephrologist, nurse navigator, and pharmacist. The primary study outcome will evaluate the number of hospital-free days through 90 days of follow-up. Secondary measures within this 90-day window include rates of recurrent AKI, rates of major adverse kidney events, and patient-reported quality of life outcomes.

Funding information for this project

The COPE-AKI Trial is funded by NIDDK (1U01DK129984).