Bermuda Advances Kidney Care with Innovative Screening Solutions
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) continues to rise globally, bringing increased mortality, reduced quality of life, and a significant financial burden to healthcare systems. In Bermuda, where chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension are already prevalent, the need for proactive CKD management has become urgent.
In 2024, a partnership between Bermuda Health Council Innovation Program, healthcare providers, community organizations, and Carna Health’s digital platform launched a groundbreaking initiative to detect CKD earlier, simplify follow-up, and improve long-term outcomes for patients.
Rethinking CKD Management in Bermuda
Historically, many CKD cases in Bermuda were diagnosed at advanced stages, when care options were limited and costly. The new initiative sought to address this gap by:
Identifying patients with early CKD through community screenings
Referring patients needing advanced care directly to nephrologists
Simplifying follow-up care with digital tools
Bringing testing closer to patients through point-of-care and at-home solutions
The Screening Program
The project set a clear target: screen 250 people within one year. To meet this, organizers established a hybrid approach:
Monthly screenings at three key sites:
Two large community health fair events, designed to reach underinsured individuals or those without a general practitioner
Each location was equipped with Nova Biomedical Allegro and Max Pro analyzers, integrated with Carna Health’s digital platform. This setup allowed near-instantaneous eGFR and creatinine testing, with results automatically shared with providers for follow-up and decision-making.
Results and Impact
By June 30, 2024, the program had exceeded expectations:
285 people screened across 22 organized events
Improved identification of patients at risk for CKD
Efficient routing of patients requiring nephrologist-led care
More patients engaged in lifestyle changes and early interventions
This proactive approach not only optimized resource use but also created a new model of care for kidney health in Bermuda.
Technology as the Enabler
At the core of the program was Carna Health’s digital health solution, which enabled:
Point-of-care with fast, reliable results
Automated result sharing with healthcare providers
Streamlined communication between patients and clinicians
Operational efficiencies in CKD care coordination
The integration of these technologies demonstrated how innovation can transform traditional care pathways in small healthcare systems like Bermuda’s.
A Model for the Future
Bermuda’s 2024 CKD screening initiative shows what is possible when healthcare organizations, community partners, and technology innovators collaborate. By embedding early detection tools directly into community health settings, the island has taken an important step toward reducing the burden of CKD and improving outcomes for its population.
This model can be replicated by other health systems worldwide, proving that with the right partnerships, CKD management can shift from reactive to proactive, delivering better patient outcomes and more sustainable healthcare solutions.
References & Partners
Carna Health – Digital kidney care and remote patient monitoring solutions
Bermuda Diabetes Association – Community-based diabetes prevention and care
Omni Medical Centre – Comprehensive healthcare services in Bermuda
Kidney Care Bermuda – Kidney health and dialysis care provider
Nova Biomedical – Point-of-care diagnostic technology