Summary

This report describes the rationale behind establishing the National Centre for Monitoring Chronic Kidney Disease (the National Centre), provides a framework for monitoring chronic kidney disease (CKD) and defines the scope of the National Centre.

Chronic kidney disease has been a public health issue for many years. One of the major risk factors for the disease, diabetes, is increasing in the population and this has led to a recent increase in the most severe form of CKD, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However there are many gaps in the information available on CKD in Australia, particularly in relation to the earlier stages of the disease. These gaps need to be properly identified and filled.

The overall objective of the National Centre is to support national surveillance and monitoring of chronic kidney disease in Australia. The National Centre will monitor and report on disease levels, burdens and trends associated with chronic kidney disease in all Australians and in specific populations. By reporting patterns and trends of chronic kidney disease the National Centre will complement other initiatives in monitoring the closely linked chronic diseases of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The National Centre aims to identify gaps, consolidate previously separate information and undertake or coordinate efforts for new data analysis.

These activities will facilitate information sharing between key stakeholders such as experts, advocacy groups and policy makers, and promote community discussion with the ultimate aim of informing efforts to help reduce the health, social and economic burden of CKD to individuals and society.