To improve the care and outcomes of people with kidney disease worldwide through the development and implementation of global clinical practice guidelines.
KDIGO is a global organization developing and implementing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in kidney disease. It is an independent, volunteer-led, self-managed foundation incorporated in Belgium and accountable to the public and the patients it serves.
KDIGO has a network of dedicated volunteers from around the world who promote awareness, dissemination, adoption, and clinical integration of KDIGO Guidelines both globally and in their respective countries or regions.
KDIGO has a small but energetic core staff who facilitate its work across the globe.
Danielle Green
Chief Executive Officer
John Davis
Chief Executive Officer Emeritus
Melissa Thompson
Chief Operating Officer
Michael Cheung
Chief Scientific Officer
Amy Earley
Guideline Development Director
Jennifer King
Director of Medical Writing
Tanya Green
Events Director
Coral Cyzewski
Events Coordinator
Kathleen Conn
Director of Communications
Guidelines
KDIGO guidelines translate scientific advances into useful and practical clinical practice recommendations and observations.
Conferences
KDIGO regularly convenes Controversies Conferences which bring together expert thought leaders to discuss and debate nephrology-related issues not yet fully resolved.
Implementation
KDIGO implementation activities include sessions at society congresses, stand-alone KDIGO meetings, summits, expert roundtables, implementation kits, speaker tours and more.
THE KDIGO METHODS COMMITTEE
The KDIGO Methods Committee is dedicated to enhancing the rigor and transparency of KDIGO Guidelines. Comprising global experts in nephrology and methodology, the committee supports advancing high-quality clinical practice guidelines that are grounded in the best available evidence.
The KDIGO Methods Committee developed and maintains the KDIGO Methods Manual, which serves as a comprehensive guide detailing the processes and evidence review methods for developing and updating KDIGO Guidelines. See below for more information.
KDIGO GUIDELINE METHODOLOGY PROGRAM OPEN CALL
To further enhance capacity in nephrology guideline development, the KDIGO Methods Committee has launched the inaugural KDIGO Guideline Methodology Fellowship Program. This initiative immerses early-career nephrologists and nephrology trainees in the KDIGO guideline processes, offering a unique opportunity for hands-on experience. Fellows will participate in committee meetings and the development of ongoing guidelines, gaining insights into the GRADE framework, evidence-based recommendations, and consensus-building approaches. There is currently an open call for applications through January 6, 2025. Click here to learn more.
KDIGO METHODS MANUAL FOR GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT
The KDIGO Methods Manual for Guideline Development provides a comprehensive overview of the processes and evidence review methods that serve as the basis for developing and updating KDIGO Guidelines.
The manual was developed by the KDIGO Methods Committee to explain the process of KDIGO guideline development from topic prioritization to publication. Graphics and links throughout the Methods Manual offer examples and support descriptions of often complex processes. The Methods Manual defines and explains each step in these processes, including (but not limited to) topic selection, appointment of guideline Co-Chairs and Work Group members, disclosures of interest, Scope of Work development, selecting an evidence review team, evidence review steps, format for writing guidelines, public review of the draft guideline, publication, implementation, and guideline updates. The manual is not intended as a handbook for conducting a systematic review or developing independent guidelines.
Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) was originally established in 2003 by the National Kidney Foundation, a U.S. foundation experienced in developing and implementing guidelines. In 2013 KDIGO became an independently incorporated non-profit foundation, and is governed by an international volunteer Executive Committee.
KDIGO is governed by a volunteer Executive Committee made up of leading nephrology experts from around the globe that are also part of the Global Network. They make critical decisions about KDIGO priorities, projects, and resource allocations.
The 2023 Executive Committee Members are:
KDIGO depends on volunteer and corporate support to educate the global kidney community and improve outcomes for patients all over the world. They build knowledge and awareness through KDIGO and are recognized here for their donations. KDIGO Partners provide general, strategic support to the KDIGO Foundation, as well as direct support to specific programs, such as Controversies Conferences and development of Educational Resources. KDIGO does not elicit corporate support for Clinical Practice Guidelines.