
Healthier Kidneys Through Your Kitchen (HKTYK)
Last updated
Share PrintChronic Kidney Disease is the 4th most frequent diagnosis in the VA. The cost of caring for this population is disproportionately high at $18 billion per year. This program identifies Veterans with stage 3 CKD and offers our participation in our class that explains CKD and lifestyle changes that can slow progression. Veterans enjoy a cooking and exercise demonstration. Veterans meet with a dietitian for behavior change counseling and individual lab review. A sample PACT went from 37% to 65% of Veterans with CKD having nutrition intervention from a Dietitian. Prevention saves dollars and improves the Veterans’ quality of life.
Origin:
Adoptions:
21 successful, 15 in-progress
Awards and Recognition:
Diffusion of Excellence Promising Practice, iNet Spark Award Investee, iNET Spread Investee, VHA Shark Tank Winner

Recent Updates
Overview
The problem
Links
- VAntage feature on Healthier Kidneys Through Your Kitchen Program VAntage Point Blog
The solution
The results
Prior to the pro ... Veterans express appreciation for this program. The post-class evaluation revealed that prior to attending, 30% of the Veterans didn’t know that uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to kidney failure, 32% didn’t know that uncontrolled diabetes can lead to kidney failure. Most Veterans (98%) would encourage others with CKD to participate.
Prior to the program, a Lexington VA primary care team showed 37% of Veterans with CKD had nutrition intervention from a Registered Dietitian. Since the program, that rose to 65%. CKD awareness is one of the most significant impacts. This program is helping VA model CKD management for all healthcare systems. Prevention saves dollars, but most-importantly improves the quality of life for our deserving Veterans. See more
Diffusion tracker
Does not include Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH)
Implementation
Timeline
-
2 weeks
Review existing program materials via the Healthy Teaching Kitchen SharePoint site in the Healthier Kidneys Through Your Kitchen folder.Request to join the monthly call for Healthier Kidneys Through Your Kitchen by emailing rebecca.schlueter@va.gov -
Within 2 months of intent to spread
Visit an existing program and/or sit in on a virtual class to see first hand how others conduct it. Complete TMS training for implementation. Search "Healthier Kidneys Through Your Kitchen" in TMS course search box. -
2 months
Market the program to all Nutrition and Food Service RDs, Primary Care, Renal Clinic, Diabetes Educators, Pharmacists and other relevant disciplines. Work with local Public Affairs to produce marketing materials found in the program's toolkit/Sharepoint. -
week before implementation
Purchase items (i.e. groceries). No need to purchase ed. materials, use Renal Toolkit Pt. Ed. -
Within 2 months of acceptance as spread site
Create/open clinic slots, reserve room if needed, set up VVC clinic, etc. -
Within 3-6 months of acceptance as spread site
Review Panels using CKD report, contact qualifying Veterans and offer program -
Within 3-6 months of acceptance
Initiate program at site
Departments
- Primary care
- Whole health
- Nutrition, food, and dietary
Core Resources
Resource type | Resource description |
---|---|
PEOPLE |
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Links
- SharePoint site for Healthier Kidneys Through Your Kitchen SharePoint Site - Curriculum, Marketing Etc.
- TMS Course- Healthier Kidneys Through Your Kitchen Implementation TMS Implementation Webinar - TMS #42367
Risks and mitigations
Risk | Mitigation |
---|---|
Within 3-6 months of acceptance | Upfront identifying purchaser and reviewing expectations |
Staffing | Ensure appropriate staffing and cross coverage before implementation. |
Contact
Comment
Comments and replies are disabled for retired innovations and non-VA users.
Email healthierkidneysthroughyourkitchen@va.gov with questions about this innovation.
About
Origin story
Original team
Rebecca Schlueter
Assit. Chief Nutrition and Food Service, Team Lead
Brittany Calhoun
Clinical Dietitian & main Lexington facilitator
interested in program for my CBOC