Introduction and aim

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and other related non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—including Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Obesity, and Heart Diseases—are increasingly recognized as major public health challenges due to their significant adverse clinical outcomes and rising healthcare costs. Addressing these issues requires innovative strategies to improve care and patient outcomes.

The NCDs Made Easy Program was developed collaboratively with computer scientists and software developers over a span of nine years. This web-based platform is designed to serve as a simple, user-friendly tool for healthcare providers at all levels—ranging from frontline practitioners such as family doctors and general practitioners to specialists—enabling them to apply evidence-based guidelines effectively in the management of CKD and other NCDs.

The platform has been tested, piloted, and validated through a community-based EGIPT-CKD screening program. It provides an electronic portal where demographic, clinical, and laboratory data can be entered to evaluate individual renal and cardiovascular risks accurately.

Targeting community members, healthcare providers, and policymakers, the NCDs Made Easy Program aims to improve healthcare practices by facilitating the straightforward implementation of evidence-based NCD guidelines. The program utilizes complex algorithms and a comprehensive database to tailor management recommendations based on personalized data. It serves as a vital tool for bridging gaps in NCDs management—particularly in developing countries—and supports primary healthcare systems in developed countries.

The program’s objectives are achieved through two integrated systems focused on NCDs management and education, designed to enhance clinical decision-making and health literacy as follow:.

1. NCDs e-risk assessment
2. NCDs Made Easy Program

Program Output

Each participant is assigned a unique identification code. After saving the visit data, the participant will receive three comprehensive medical reports, along with a statistical overview:

1. Participant's Report: This report provides an overview of the participant’s health status related to NCDs, including diagnosis details, target blood pressure, weight, waist measurements, and kidney and heart health. It highlights modifiable risk factors and offers personalized recommendations and an actionable plan to improve health. Additionally, it includes an evaluation of CKD complications (if present), raises awareness about NCDs, and provides guidance on preparing for renal replacement therapy (RRT) and referral instructions based on the participant’s GFR level.
2. 2. Dietitian’s Consultation Form: This summary offers tailored dietary recommendations based on the current visit data, assisting dietitians in prescribing appropriate nutritional interventions.
3. 2. Dietitian’s Consultation Form: This summary offers tailored dietary recommendations based on the current visit data, assisting dietitians in prescribing appropriate nutritional interventions.
4. 2. Dietitian’s Consultation Form: This summary offers tailored dietary recommendations based on the current visit data, assisting dietitians in prescribing appropriate nutritional interventions.

Applicability

NCDs Made Easy Program can support various healthcare settings, including:

• Primary healthcare systems for daily NCD management

• Diabetes and hypertension outpatient clinics

• Nephrology outpatient clinics

• Low clearance clinic / pre-ESRD care

Conclusion

NCDs Made Easy Program has demonstrated its utility in:

• Early identification of individuals at risk for CKD and cardiovascular disease (CVD)
• Achieving optimal control of modifiable risk factors
• Facilitating diagnosis of NCDs
• Preventing nephrotoxic drug use
• Promoting the use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs
• Ensuring early referral to nephrologists
• Supporting the management of pre-ESRD patients

The program is cost-effective and capable of integrating with various screening facilities worldwide through a universal database, aiding organizations and societies in chronic disease surveillance.

NCDs Made Easy Program is a key initiative of EasyMed Company, Egypt, developed by Dr. Zaghloul Gouda and Dr. Ghada Mashaal, both consultants in nephrology at the Damanhour Medical National Institute, Damanhour, Egypt.

For more information, please access the invitation for participation or contact the program authors directly.

Authors: