The UK Diagnostic Interventional Nephrology (UK-DIN) Special Interest Group (SIG) brings together professionals involved in the diagnostic and procedural aspects of kidney care, including ultrasound, kidney biopsy and dialysis access. It supports the development of safe, evidence-based practice and helps members build the skills and services needed to deliver interventional nephrology within kidney teams.
The SIG has a strong focus on practical education, training pathways, professional support and reducing unwarranted variation in procedures and service delivery.
The UK-DIN Annual Meeting combines preparatory online teaching with hands-on practical training. It provides opportunities to develop procedural skills, learn about establishing and improving interventional nephrology services and connect with colleagues working in this area.
Chair
The SIG’s work includes:
The SIG develops practical teaching and simulation for different career stages and professions. This includes the annual UK-DIN meeting, workshops, taster opportunities and teaching delivered through wider kidney education programmes.
The SIG works closely with the Postgraduate Certificate in Interventional Nephrology at Newcastle University.
The two-year, part-time programme is endorsed by the UKKA and ANN UK. It combines academic study with practical development in ultrasound, kidney biopsy, peritoneal dialysis access and haemodialysis vascular access. Participants also undertake work that can contribute to service development and the SIG’s wider programme.
The SIG is supporting the development of a new UKKA guideline on native kidney biopsy. This work aims to address variation in practice, including patient consent, procedural risks and the evidence used to support clinical decisions.
A separate project is developing best-practice recommendations for tunnelled haemodialysis line removal. This is a practical resource and is distinct from the UKKA’s formal guideline development process.
The Standardisation workstream examines variation between interventional nephrology services and identifies areas where shared benchmarks and more consistent pathways could improve practice. Current work includes examining waiting times for fistuloplasty.
The SIG maintains links with International Society of Nephrology education and training programmes. UK centres have hosted international fellows for short placements, providing practical training while supporting the exchange of expertise between kidney services.