Timing of review

Because AKI frequently represents a marker of illness severity, prompt clinical assessment is essential to mitigate negative individual and system outcomes aiming to prevent acute deterioration and optimise service use.

NICE Quality Standard 76 sets out targets for timeliness of review for stage 2 & 3 AKI episodes.

Whilst the Quality Standard contains targets for primary care and community settings, the advice can be simplified for those admitted to hospital as follows:

Achieving this 6 hour timeframe requires coordinated action from detection in the laboratory through to clinical review and should be viewed as a 24 hour service. Clearly identified clinical responsibility is paramount particularly at transitions of care (see discharge communication section).