Objectives Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are leading global causes of morbidity and mortality, often coexisting and sharing common risk factors. Despite their interconnection, clinical care and research for affected individuals remain siloed and fragmented.
Recognising the need for integrated approaches, this study aimed to identify and prioritise key research questions at the intersection of CKD and CVD that can be addressed using real-world healthcare data to inform more cohesive and data-driven strategies for improving outcomes across both disease areas. Design, setting and participants A three-round modified Delphi process was conducted: Round 1 online survey collected open-ended research questions about CKD-CVD priorities via BHF Data Science Centre, Kidney Research UK, UK Renal Health Data Network and HDR UK public involvement channels; Round 2 in-person workshop refined and consolidated items; Round 3 online survey prioritised items across urgency, feasibility and impact using 5-point scales.
Main outcome measures Survey mean scores for each research question were calculated across the three prioritisation domains, each scored out of 5. The top-ranked questions were identified based on overall scores.
BMJ Open published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 27 Apr 2026.
The item focuses on Delphi approach to prioritising research in cardiovascular and kidney disease using routinely collected data.
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