Recent epidemiological studies have revealed that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is much more prevalent than previously appreciated. On the other hand, only a minority of people with CKD ever develop kidney failure that requires treatment with dialysis. CKD is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is therefore a need to develop tools to identify those with CKD who are at increased risk of progressive kidney damage or cardiovascular disease for treatment, while preventing unnecessary intervention in the majority who are at low risk. Rolls Royce has developed substantial expertise in developing tools to predict the risk of failure in their jet engines. We are therefore exploring the possibility that the methods they use to predict failure in complex mechanical systems, could also be applied to complex biological systems to predict risk in patients with CKD. In the course of our collaboration it has also become clear that hospitals share several other features with Rolls Royce. Jet engines are assembled by hand and this requires a very high level of reliability and robust measures to ensure safety. Reliability and safety are equally important in healthcare and it is clear that much could be gained from collaboration in this area.
Speakers: Dr Maartan Taal, Consultant Renal Physician, Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Paul Anuzis, Chief Reliability Engineer, Rolls Royce
“At first sight the care of patients with kidney disease and the production of jet engines appear to have nothing in common but we have been surprised at how much common ground there is and how much potential for collaboration.”
