What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to summarize the UKKA recommendations for AKI and to provide actionable guidance for clinicians.

March 2, 2026Open Access

Practical Acute Kidney Injury Care: Embedding the UK Kidney Association Summit Recommendations Across Hospital Settings

Key Points

The aim is to summarize the UKKA recommendations for AKI and to provide actionable guidance for clinicians.
Reviewed 24 key recommendations from the UK Kidney Association AKI Summit.
Translated recommendations into practical clinical guidance for various hospital settings.
Highlighted implementation tools like e-alert systems and care bundles.
Proposed strategies for early identification and management of AKI cases.
Identified barriers to consistent AKI care and suggested solutions.
Provided a roadmap for improving coordination and follow-up in AKI care.

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects up to 20% of hospitalised patients and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. Despite national guidelines, variability in recognition and management persists. This review bridges the UK Kidney Association (UKKA) AKI Summit recommendations with real-world National Health Service (NHS) clinical practice, summarising 24 key recommendations into core principles and translating them into practical guidance for clinicians across emergency, ward-based, critical care, and geriatric settings. Emphasis is placed on early identification, fluid and medication management, escalation to specialist teams, and discharge planning. We highlight implementation tools, including e-alert systems, care bundles, and standardised referral pathways. Finally, the article discusses barriers to consistent AKI care and proposes system-wide strategies to support education, coordination, and long-term follow-up. This practical review offers a setting-specific roadmap to improve patient outcomes and promote consistent, proactive care across the AKI continuum.

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