A new multidisciplinary model of glomerulonephritis care in Ontario: a descriptive program report

Purpose of program — In 2018, Ontario Health (Ontario Renal Network) established a new multidisciplinary model of glomerulonephritis care to be available to all 27 Regional Renal Programs. This model of care was designed to fill existing gaps and ensure individuals with glomerulonephritis access to standardized, timely, and high-quality treatment close to home. This report describes the characteristics of individuals who received this care since it was established.

Sources of information — Provincial administrative health care databases.

Methods — This is a descriptive study of the characteristics of adults with a registered glomerulonephritis visit provided by a multidisciplinary care team in Ontario, Canada between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2023. Individuals were excluded if they had evidence of a kidney transplant prior to their first registered visit.

Key findings — A total of 6,926 individuals were included in the cohort. Every year since 2019, approximately 1,200 new individuals had a registered multidisciplinary visit. IgA nephropathy was the most common reported diagnosis at the first registered visit (1,407 of 6,926 [20.5%]). Over a median follow-up period of 2.7 years (interquartile range = 1.3-3.7) since their first registered visit, 420 individuals (6%) received kidney replacement therapy (maintenance dialysis or kidney transplant).

Limitations — This description of individuals with registered visits underestimates the true prevalence of adults with glomerulonephritis in Ontario, as it does not capture those who did not register or who received more advanced disease management in other settings.

Implications — The use of a new model of multidisciplinary glomerulonephritis care in Ontario, Canada is becoming well established. Ongoing analysis of administrative data will guide future healthcare planning and delivery.