Automated Electronic Alert Systems for Acute Kidney Injury: Current Status and Future Perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious condition, but the process of care for patients with AKI is currently suboptimal. Automated AKI electronic (e)-alert systems are expected to improve the process of care and patient outcomes.

SUMMARY: There have been several reports on the implementation of e-alert systems, which have the potential to improve patient outcomes, but evidence of their effectiveness has not been established. There are some challenges to the development of better e-alert systems. Algorithms for detection should be examined, optimal alert outputs should be designed for each situation, and appropriate evaluation of the overall working of the systems is essential for future studies. Key Messages: Improvements to the current features of e-alert systems should include a better AKI detection algorithm and appropriate alert outputs, and overall system performance should be evaluated in future studies.