Abstract: SA-PO0794
Toward Consensus on Glomerular Disease Centers of Excellence: Results from a Delphi Panel Study
Session Information
- Glomerular Research: Design, Registries, Surveys, and Epidemiology
November 08, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Glomerular Diseases
- 1402 Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Therapeutics
Authors
- Norouzi, Sayna, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California, United States
- Gholizadeh Ghozloujeh, Zohreh, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California, United States
- Glassock, Richard J., University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Radhakrishnan, Jai, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
- Anders, Hans J., LMU Klinikum Institut fur Laboratoriumsmedizin, Munich, BY, Germany
- Kronbichler, Andreas, Medizinische Universitat Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
- Garimella, Pranav S., University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
- Java, Anuja, Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Selvaskandan, Haresh, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, England, United Kingdom
- Schneider, Bonnie, Igan Foundation, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Miller, Stuart, Igan Foundation, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Poyan Mehr, Ali, Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Training Program Northern California, Vallejo, California, United States
Group or Team Name
- CoE Delphi Panel Faculties.
Background
Despite therapeutic advances, care for glomerular diseases remains fragmented. Unlike oncology or cardiology, nephrology lacks a consensus framework for Centers of Excellence (CoEs), limiting standardization and equitable access. With a rapidly evolving treatment landscape, internationally applicable CoE criteria are urgently needed. To address this, we initiated a Delphi process to define core components of a Glomerular Disease CoE.
Methods
We developed a Delphi questionnaire encompassing 22 domains, including care delivery, diagnostics, research, education, infrastructure, equity, and quality. The instrument contained 131 items rated on a 4-point scale: A = Essential, B = Important but Context-Dependent, C = Optional, D = Not Recommended. It was refined with input from more than 45 international glomerular disease experts. This is the first of two planned Delphi rounds. Items reaching ≥80% combined A/B ratings were considered to have achieved preliminary consensus and were reported thematically.
Results
To date, 35 glomerular disease specialists have completed the first-round Delphi survey. Of 131 rated items, 82 (63%) reached preliminary consensus, defined as ≥80% of respondents selecting A or B. Consensus emerged across key domains: 19 items in clinical services and diagnostics (e.g., kidney biopsy protocols, urine microscopy, GN-trained director), 15 in patient support and advocacy (e.g., access to mental health services, dietitians), 14 in education and research (e.g., provider-led teaching, clinical trial participation), and 10 in infrastructure and quality assessment (e.g., EHR capabilities, performance metrics). Additional alignment was observed for referral criteria, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global adaptation strategies. These findings offer a structured foundation for defining a Glomerular Disease CoE.
Conclusion
Early expert consensus identifies core components of a Glomerular Disease CoE. Shared priorities across clinical care, diagnostics, education, patient support, and infrastructure reflect a common vision for advancing specialized care. These findings lay the groundwork for future implementation and global standardization.
Funding
- Private Foundation Support