The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for the estimated 37 million Americans living with kidney disease — as well as their caregivers and healthcare practitioners. Several groups are at particularly high risk: those who receive in-center dialysis treatments and are unable to self-isolate; those with a kidney transplant, who are likely taking immunosuppression drugs; those with acute kidney injury; and those with chronic kidney disease. There is also growing evidence that COVID-19 can lead to kidney damage, even among patients with no previous kidney problems. Given that a disproportionate number of people living with kidney disease are of African American, Asian, Hispanic, Latin American, Native American, or Pacific Islander descent, the pandemic is also worsening existing health disparities and social determinants of health. Patients, caregivers, frontline staff, and organizations have quickly responded by developing or adapting solutions for safely delivering kidney care during the pandemic. The COVID-19 Kidney Care Challenge aims to identify and share the best of these solutions so that other patients, caregivers, and staff can benefit from them.
The COVID-19 Kidney Care Challenge invites eligible entities or individuals — such as healthcare providers, frontline staff, patients, and caregivers — to submit demonstrated solutions. Solutions should reduce the transmission of coronavirus among people with kidney disease and/or reduce the risk of kidney damage among people who contract the virus. These solutions may be applied in a range of settings — such as dialysis centers, clinics, hospitals, homes, and transport. Solutions may address, but are not limited to:
KidneyX is particularly interested in solutions that consider the patient experience and could be implemented without requiring significant time, expertise, money, or other resources. Solutions that reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities facing existing health disparities are encouraged.
Deadline for Round 1: Dec. 7, 2020
Deadline for Round 2: Jan. 20, 2021
The Artificial Kidney Prize is open to both U.S. and international entrants, subject to eligibility requirements.
