Primary research objectives

1. Determine the prevalence and identify those at high risk for each of the stages of kidney disease in Alberta , Canada.
2. Determine population-based rates of progression of chronic kidney disease.
3. Determine if access to specialized medical care and/or rates of progression of kidney disease differs for women, elderly, people of different socio-economic status, people in different geographic regions, and for First Nations.

Secondary research objectives

1. Determine the health care costs of caring for patients stratified by stage of kidney disease.
2. Determine the value of educational initiatives designed to improve the quality of care for patients with kidney disease, including appropriate patient referral to specialists.
3. Investigate the cost-effectiveness of educational and therapeutic strategies aimed at slowing kidney disease progression.