Development and Evaluation of an Audit and Feedback Process for Prevention of Acute Kidney Injury During Coronary Angiography and Intervention

BACKGROUND: Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a potentially preventable complication of coronary angiography and intervention. Relatively little research has been done to determine how knowledge on CA-AKI prevention can be translated into clinical practice. METHODS: We developed, implemented, and surveyed end-users about the usability, acceptability, and utility of an audit and feedback process for CA-AKI prevention in Alberta, Canada. The audit and feedback reported on amount of radiocontrast dye used, hemodynamic optimization of intravenous fluids, and CA-AKI incidence for each cardiologist practicing coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention, compared with peers at their site and across the province. Reports were developed through an iterative process involving interventional cardiologists throughout the design process and usability testing. RESULTS: Cardiologists participating in usability testing indicated a preference for the visual displays of data and summarizing indicators on the front page, and endorsed the value of peer-to-peer comparisons of performance measures. Of 31 eligible cardiologists from across Alberta, 17 responded to a survey evaluating the audit and feedback process. Fifteen respondents (88.2%) agreed that the data presented in the audit and feedback report were understandable; 17 respondents (100%) agreed or strongly agreed that the presentation of the report helped them better understand their performance compared with that of their peers; and 14 (82.4%) agreed that the audit and feedback process helped them identify ways to reduce the risk of AKI for their patients. CONCLUSIONS: Conducting an audit and providing feedback was an understandable and acceptable intervention to help cardiologists identify ways to improve prevention of CA-AKI during coronary angiography or intervention.