Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis (also known as GN or glomerular disease) is a group of rare diseases that cause inflammation of the glomeruli, the parts of the kidneys that filter excess fluid from the blood.
Glomerulonephritis disproportionately affects younger people. With the right treatment at the right time from the right team, their disease can be managed effectively to prevent kidney disease from progressing. Despite this, glomerulonephritis was the main diagnosis in 21.5% of Ontario patients with end-stage kidney disease in 2015.[1]
Purpose
We work to make sure people living with glomerulonephritis in Ontario have access to standardized, timely and high-quality care.
Background Work
To support our ongoing work to improve care for people with glomerulonephritis, we have:
- conducted a series of interviews with almost 30 glomerulonephritis experts to understand the current landscape and identify issues
- completed a provincial needs assessment focused on glomerulonephritis, seeking input from Ontario nephrologists, administrators, and patients and family members to inform provincial strategy
- established a Priority Panel to address the gaps identified in the needs assessment
- with the Priority Panel, developed a strategic framework for glomerulonephritis care in Ontario
Major Initiatives
Establish a Provincial Model of Care
- Established 6 glomerulonephritis specialty clinics across Ontario to provide specialized care, and support and educate healthcare providers to care for patients closer to home
- Introduced criteria across all Regional Renal Programs to standardize quality care for patients, in collaboration with glomerulonephritis specialty clinics when necessary
Use Data to Support Planning, Decision-Making and Monitoring of Outcomes
- Conducted an analysis to describe the population of people with glomerulonephritis
- Established data requirements
- Introduced evaluation measures to drive monitoring and quality improvement
Make Sure Patients are Supported to Make Informed Decisions
- Developed medication fact sheets for patients in partnership with nephrology pharmacists
- Established a patient and family panel to deal with unique challenges faced by people with glomerulonephritis
Support Appropriate Access to Drugs
- Created a drug access process map for healthcare providers, in partnership with nephrology pharmacists
- Convened a Drug Access Task Group in 2017 to develop more resources to support healthcare providers