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ESRD Workgroup

Description

The ESRD workgroup has focused on developing strategies to improve vascular access outcomes for patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Patient and staff education in vascular access improvement has been their main focus. In 2006, the ESRD workgroup produced a brochure that focused on educating providers how to prepare for a Medicare survey in the area of vascular access. This tool was distributed to all Network 11 dialysis facilities, and many other ESRD Networks have used the brochure for distribution to their providers as well.

The workgroup also developed a pocket guide and badge that will assist dialysis providers with educating patients on the benefits of dialyzing with a fistula. This tool was disseminated to all Network 11 dialysis facilities in November 2007.

Currently, the workgroup has developed two additional initiatives. The first initiative focuses on improving AVF rates through the use of a vascular access coordinator. The workgroup has identified best practices in programs that have successfully raised their AVF rates through implementation of a vascular access coordinator program. The workgorup developed a scan that asked all Network 11 facilities about their current practices and use of a vascular access coordinator. With this information, the group plans to develop resources that will educate and support vascular access coordinators to achieve further improvement in AVF prevalence.

The second initiative focuses on identifying root causes that lead to patient resistance to permanent vascular access placement. Facilities were asked about their facility practices as part of the vascular access coordinator scan, and this data is being collected and analyzed. The group plans to use this information to develop initiatives that will provide education and best practices to facilities facing similar occurences.

Documents

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