The team led by pharmacist Hsu Chien-Ning at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital has developed an innovative "Smart Kidney Care Network." This system integrates 10 routine diagnostic tests with medication data, along with real-time monitoring and data analysis, to assist medical teams in identifying early warning signs and implementing interventions. It offers a comprehensive solution for the early detection, management, and prevention of acute kidney injury (AKI).

Challenges in Managing Acute Kidney Injury: Current Medical Limitations and Urgency
Research indicates that AKI affects approximately 19.4%-31% of hospitalized patients. There are no specialized drugs for AKI treatment, leaving dialysis and supportive care as the primary options. However, current care models are often limited to one-time alerts without continuous tracking or preventive strategies. The inefficiency in identifying high-risk patients exacerbates the progression of the disease, potentially leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring long-term dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Three Core Modules of the Smart Care System to Enhance Kidney Care Efficiency
The Smart Kidney Care Network is built on artificial intelligence and digital healthcare technology, integrating patient data to enable real-time monitoring and early warnings. The system provides precise identification of high-risk AKI patients, continuous condition tracking, and robust support for medical teams. Its three core modules include:

• AKI Alert and Medication Guidance System: Automatically detects the onset and severity of AKI and provides real-time medication recommendations. Data shows a sensitivity of 90.94% and specificity of 99.63%, significantly improving the efficiency of medical team interventions.
• Machine Learning-Based Risk Prediction Model: Combines 10 routine diagnostic tests with medication information to accurately screen high-risk patients, aiding physicians in early outpatient interventions. This model has been shown to significantly reduce in-hospital mortality rates and slow the progression of kidney disease.
• Patient Mobile App Platform: Empowers patients to manage their medications and track kidney health independently. Integrated with the National Health Insurance (NHI) health record system, the app improves the efficiency of cross-hospital medical data sharing. Patient feedback on medication reactions enhances doctor-patient communication, advancing the goal of precision care.

The system has already been implemented across seven hospitals within the Chang Gung healthcare network, covering over 110,000 hospital admissions. It has received positive feedback from approximately 81.5% of physicians and 80% of nursing staff, highlighting its potential value in clinical applications.

Enhancing Healthcare Efficiency and Fostering International Collaboration
Hsu Chien-Ning emphasized that the development and application of the Smart Kidney Care Network not only improve the efficiency of kidney disease prevention and treatment in Taiwan but also facilitate early-stage intervention to delay the onset of ESRD. The system is highly mature and ready for market adoption, offering customizable services to meet the needs of different healthcare institutions. Looking ahead, the Smart Kidney Care Network aims to drive advancements in kidney disease prevention through continuous technological upgrades and market expansion, establishing itself as a key force in the field.

Resource: 智能照護切入 及早偵測急性腎損傷防終生洗腎