Electronic alerts for early detection of acute kidney injury: considering their implementation in Australian hospitals

International use of acute kidney injury care bundles, including e‐alerts, represents a potential pathway for significant improvement in acute kidney injury management in Australia

The incidence of acute kidney injury in Australia is increasing, and its impact on morbidity, mortality, and health care costs is universally acknowledged.1,2 In a national snapshot, acute kidney injury was the principal or additional diagnosis in 1.6% of Australian hospital admissions between 2012 and 2013.2 However, its true incidence is likely greater, with international data estimating one in five adults worldwide experience acute kidney injury during a hospital admission.3,4 In the short term, acute kidney injury increases length of stay, intensive care and rehabilitation admissions, early readmission to hospital, and death.2,5 In Australia, hospital‐acquired acute kidney injury incurs additional costs of about $55 000 per patient admission.1 In the long term, it is an important risk factor for chronic kidney disease and long term morbidity.6