Kidney Week

Abstract: SA-PO0457

Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome Integration for Addressing CKD in Primary Care

Session Information

• CKM: Clinical - Screening, Population Management, Care Disparities, and Patient-Centered Outcomes
  October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health

• 602 Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health: Clinical

Authors

• An, Lucy, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Lucy An

• Chandra, Kavya, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Kavya Chandra

• Vincent-Johnson, Anita, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Anita Vincent-Johnson, MD

• You, Wen, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Wen You, PhD

• Scialla, Julia J., University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Julia J. Scialla, MD, FASN

• Porter, Kathleen, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Kathleen Porter, RDN

Background

Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome integrates risk factors and management for chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. This qualitative study examines primary care clinicians' perspectives on CKM's value for addressing CKD in practice.

Methods

Primary care clinicians (i.e., physicians; advanced care providers) spending ≥50% of their time in ambulatory adult care were recruited through University of Virginia (UVA) Family Medicine, UVA Continuing Education, and statewide networks via UVA Center for Telehealth and the National Kidney Foundation. Participants completed a survey and virtual semi-structured interview (~30 min), including a brief video on CKM to ensure understanding. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, with analytic memoing (LA, KC). Two team members (JS, KP) independently reviewed transcripts to identify salient concepts, resolving discrepancies through consensus. Using insights gained through memos, similar concepts across transcripts were grouped into emergent codes. Codes were categorized as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and tabulated across participants.

Results

Nine participants completed interviews (5 women, 7 physicians, 6 from academic practices). Participants' years of experience ranged from 0–5 to >20. All identified one or more strengths of CKM, including its intuitive structure, simplicity, and preventive focus. Weaknesses reflected perceived lack of evidence and uncertain value beyond existing care models. Identified opportunities emphasized that, if implemented strategically, CKM could support early CKD recognition and management, and promote care standardization. Identified threats centered around structural barriers, administrative burdens, and impracticality (Fig).

Conclusion

While there was consensus that CKM reflects primary care values, our study highlights the need to ensure the framework is grounded in strong evidence and addresses real-world workflow, social, and administrative barriers to ensure adoption.

Figure. Summary of themes by participant (P)