Spanish Society Launches Ambitious Initiative to Combat Chronic Kidney Disease
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A new program aims to bolster early detection and treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) through proactive engagement of primary care professionals.
Early and accurate diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is critical to slowing its progression and mitigating potentially devastating cardiovascular complications. Despite the availability of simple, cost-effective screening methods – primarily through kidney function analysis and urinalysis – systematic screening remains limited, particularly among at-risk populations. Recognizing this gap, the Spanish Society of General and Family Physicians (SEMG) has launched a thorough initiative, “12 months, 12 actions in chronic kidney disease,” which began in December 2025, centers around three core actions: screen, diagnose, and treat. Participants gain access to a dedicated platform featuring newsletters and training videos focused on best practices in CKD management. Throughout 2026, registered professionals will be encouraged to conduct monthly opportunistic screenings for patients during routine consultations.
“Each month, a specific risk profile will be selected for focused attention,” explained a member of the SEMG Cardiovascular and Diabetes Working Group. “Such as, when focusing on hypertensive patients – a group with a heightened risk of developing CKD – we will analyze how many have been treated, screened, or diagnosed, and ensure those lacking a diagnosis receive the necessary tests to complete the evaluation and integrate them into the program.”
Targeting High-Risk Patient Populations
The “12 months, 12 actions” program will systematically address a wide range of risk factors throughout the year. these include:
- high blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Established cardiovascular disease
- Age over 60
- Obesity (BMI > 30-35 kg/m)
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus with more than five years of evolution
- Family history of hereditary kidney disease
- Obstructive urinary tract pathology
- Other cardiovascular risk factors (dyslipidemia, smoking)
- Treatments with nephrotoxic drugs
- Chronic, autoimmune, or neoplastic diseases
- History of acute kidney injury
- Women with a history of hypertensive complications of pregnancy
- Low birth weight
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
A senior official emphasized the simplicity and impact of the program, stating, “This is a simple intervention that can be easily integrated into a routine analysis with the addition of a urinalysis. The effort is minimal,and the benefit is very high.”
Fostering Collaboration and Recognizing Excellence
The initiative also aims to foster a collaborative environment among healthcare professionals. Participants are encouraged to work individually or as teams, leveraging the collective expertise to improve patient care. The program recognizes and rewards consistent engagement through a system of monthly objective tracking and continuous monitoring.
Professionals who meet monthly goals will be eligible for prizes, including registration and accommodation to attend the XI Cardiovascular Conference and the XIII Diabetes Forum in 2027, promoting ongoing professional development and refinement of clinical practice. As one participant noted, “This initiative helps us to be more aware of the real impact of our actions in the consultation. Working with common objectives, monitoring, and recognition makes the effort more bearable and reinforces professional commitment.”
The SEMG’s “12 months, 12 actions in chronic kidney disease” represents a significant step toward improving early detection and management of CKD, ultimately aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this increasingly prevalent condition.
Disclaimer: The facts published in this article contains statements, data, and declarations from official institutions and health professionals. However, if you have any questions related to your health, consult your corresponding health specialist.
