Facility Resources
As a professional caring for individuals with chronic kidney disease, you are aware of the multitude of resources available to you on the Web. We hope we have provided enough materials on our site that you find these helpful.
We are always looking for ways to improve our webpages, so should you have any suggestions or comments, please call us.
Clinical Peformance Goals 2010-2011 Document (format: PDF, size: 1.0 mb)
[Distributed July 2010] This document may be used to develop appropriate Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs within your unit.
Let us know what you think about our Clinical Performance Goals Document -- Evaluate online
PATIENT BULLETIN BOARD PACKET (updated June 2010)
[1] Network 4 Poster (format: PDF, size: 137 kb) -- best if printed on 11x17" paper -- provides a summary of the Network, our grievance procedure and contact information
[2] Patient Rights and Responsibilities Brochure (format: PDF, size: 261 kb) -- prints on 8.5x11" paper
[3] Services for Patients Brochure (format: PDF, size: 635 kb) -- best if printed on 8.5x14" paper: legal
[4] Patient Safety Brochure (format: PDF, size: 160 kb) -- prints on 8.5x11" paper
[5] Transplant Education Document (format: PDF, size: 536 kb) -- prints on 8.5x11" paper
[6] Network 4 Website Flyer (format: PDF, size: 162 kb) -- prints on 8.5x11" paper
National ELAB Report (format: PDF, size: 4 Mb)
The National ELAB Report provides information and trends analysis from our 2008 Lab Data Collection project.
For background information and additional analysis, you may visit http://www.esrdnet11.org/Elab -- The Renal Network of the Upper Midwest (a.k.a. ESRD Network 11) manages the national electronical ESRD lab data collection project.
This document may be used to develop appropriate Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs within your unit.
Anemia Management
On September 8, 2009 the Network 4 office distributed a comprehensive Quality Improvement Packet which launched our "Anemia Management Quality Improvement Project". As part of this project, the following tools and information were made available:
- Cover Memo (format: PDF, size: 136 kb) -- Explains the contents of the packet
- Anemia Management Toolkit (format: PDF, size: 346 kb, best if printed on 11"x17" Tabloid size paper) -- Explains our Anemia Management Quality Improvement Project and provides several tools, including the following inserts: Anemia Tracking Tool 1 (format: PDF, size: 93 kb) and Anemia Tracking Tool 2 (format: PDF, size: 58 kb)
- WebEx Announcement (format: PDF, size: 426 kb) -- "Insights Into Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent (ESA) Responsiveness in Patients with Anemia on Dialysis" on October 1, 2009 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM -- PLEASE JOIN US!
Immunization Packet
On September 2, 2009 the Network 4 office distributed a comprehensive "Immunization Packet" filled with educational materials for both staff and patients. Also in this packet, we announced our "Immunization Quality Improvement Project". Below is a list of the materials provided in the Immunization Packet ---
- Cover Memo (format: PDF, size: 250 kb) -- Explaining the contents of the mailing and the need for the Immunization Quality Improvement Project
- Quality Improvement Project -- Return Fax Part 1 (format: PDF, size: 92 kb) -- Pre-Season/Pre-Intervention Data Results -- RETURN BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 VIA FAX -- the Network's fax number is (412) 325-1811
- Quality Improvement Project -- Return Fax Part 2 (format: PDF, size: 100 kb) -- Access Facility Readiness -- RETURN BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 VIA FAX -- the Network's fax number is (412) 325-1811
- Quality Improvement Project -- Blank Pre-Season/Pre-Intervention Vaccination Record (format: PDF, size: 91 kb)
- Materials For Staff -- Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination Pocket Guide (format: PDF, size: 66 kb)
-- Additional laminated placards may be ordered from the following site: www.preventinfluenza.org - Materials For Staff -- 2009-2010 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Information Guide (format: PDF, size: 70 kb)
-- Additional laminated placards may be ordered from the following site: www.preventinfluenza.org - Materials For Staff -- "Vaccination Tooklit Flyer" (format: PDF, size: 131 kb)
This toolkit was developed by the FORUM of ESRD Networks' Medical Advisory Council (MAC). The complete toolkit can be found on the FORUM of ESRD Networks' website (http://esrdnetworks.org/mac-toolkits) - Materials For Staff -- "I Work in a Dialysis Facility ... Do I Need the Hepatitis B Vaccine?" pamphlet (format: PDF, size: 66 kb)
- Materials For Staff -- "Influenza: Protect Yourself and Your Patients" p11:23 AM 09/14/2009 pamphlet (format: PDF, size: 224 kb)
- Materials For Staff and Patients -- "CDC Says: Take 3 Steps to Fight the Flu. These actions will protect against the new H1N1 too!" brochure (format: PDF, size: 745 kb)
- Materials For Staff and Patients -- "Cover Your Cough...Clean Your Hands" CDC flyer (format: PDF, size: 104 kb)
- Materials For Patients -- "Vaccination Facts" pamphlet (format: PDF, size: 121 kb)
- Materials For Patients -- "Hepatitis B: Know the Facts and Protect Yourself" pamphlet (format: PDF, size: 215 kb)
- Materials For Patients -- "Why Do I Need the Influenza Shot?" pamphlet (format: PDF, size: 428 kb)
- Materials For Unit -- "Get the Flu Shot NOT the Flu" cardboard placard -- click here for image (format: JPG, size: 109 kb)
-- Additional cardboard easel-type placards may be ordered from Quality Insights of Pennsylvania at http://www.qipa.org - Materials For Unit -- "You know you should be getting the flu shot but what about the pneumonia vaccine?" poster (for Pennsylvania units only) -- click here for image (format: JPG, size: 283 kb)
-- Additional posters may be ordered from Quality Insights of Pennsylvania at http://www.qipa.org - Materials For Unit -- "Pneumonia Questions and Answers" fact sheet (for Delaware units only) -- click here for image
-- Additional posters may be ordered from Quality Insights of Delaware at http://www.qide.org - Materials For Unit -- "Flu Questions and Answers" fact sheet (for Delaware units only) -- click here for image
-- Additional posters may be ordered from Quality Insights of Delaware at http://www.qide.org
ESRD Conditions for Coverage Page
Click the link above to go to our page dedicated to the revised ESRD Conditions for Coverage, which were published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2008. Included on this page are resources such as a crosswalk from the old conditions to the new, the state's Interpretive Guidance document, measures assessment tool, comprehensive multidisciplinary patient assessment example, and frequently asked questions on the revised conditions
Decreasing Dialysis Patient-Provider Conflict (DPC)
Click the link above to go to our Decreasing Dialysis Patient-Provider Conflict (DPC) page. There you will find the DPC Brochure and DPC Provider Manual.
Accouncement: Employer Recognition Nominations
The Network is looking for assistance in getting the word out about the Employer Reconition Nomination Project. We ask that dialysis unit social workers distribute, collect and return the Employer Recognition Nominaton Forms (format: PDF, size: 98.1 kb).
Dear Individuals Living with Chronic Kidney Disease -- The Rehabilitation Committee of ESRD Network 4 would like to recognize emploers who have hired people with Chronic Kidney Disease. In order to do this, we would like to give you the opportunity to submit the name of the individual where you work who you feel has been supportive in your efforts to work.
The submit a nomination, please complete and return the Employer Recognition Nominaton Form (format: PDF, size: 98.1 kb) to either your social worker or directly to the Network office.
Assessing Functional Status of ESRD Patients
This page is dedicated to resources and tools that can be used to assess the functional status of ESRD patients.
Looking for Disaster or Emergency Preparedness information?
Then turn to our Disaster Preparedness and Response page for materials and information.
Looking for Dialysis Units?
Then turn to our Patient Resources Page for several dialysis unit search engines. Links to these search engines are provided in the left side menu under the heading "Dialysis Unit Search Engines".
Looking for Patient Education Opportunities?
Then turn to our Patient Resources Page for information on home modalities, tranplantation, the Offices of Vocational Rehabilitation and more (including our "Services for Patients" pamphlet).
Network Document: ESRD Network 4's Guidelines for Care of ESRD Patients Document (format: PDF, size: 616 kb) -- DRAFT version available effective April 2010
This document is an excellent resource that provides some general guidelines that could be followed by dialysis and transplant facilities. The information in this guide does not contain "rules" that should be considered enforceable, unlike Medicare's Conditions for Coverage. They are recommendations made by the professional communities within Network 4.
Network 4 Brochure: Transplant Education Document (format: PDF, size: 357 kb) - Publication Number: PBB-000-062010
Contains: "Preparing for a Kidney Transplant / Frequently Asked Questions, Transplant Centers in ESRD Network 4, and Kidney Donation / Frequently Asked Quesitons"
This brochure should be included on the Patient Bulletin Board at each Dialysis Facility and it REPLACES the following two documents:
1. Key Information About Kidney Transplant Brochure (Publication Number: PBB-002-032009)
2. Preparing for a Kidney Transplant / Frequently Asked Questions (Publication Number: PBB-003-062008)
Please discard Publication Numbers PBB-002-032009 and PBB-003-062008
In Service Education: Dialysis Patient Care Staff Education Modules - From the Mid Atlantic Renal Coalition (MARC)
The Mid Atlantic Renal Coalition (MARC), also known as ESRD Network 5, created five great training modules for dialysis patient care staff centered on "Communication Skills for Providing Quality Care."
The five modules are:
- 1. Professionalism in Dialysis Care
- 2. Patient Centered Care
- 3. When Patients Have Concerns
- 4. Fistula First
- 5. Caring Through the End: Final Stage of Chronic Kidney Disease
Life Options Resources: Life Options Products Catalog
Free resource materials are available from Life Options and range from a Unit Self-Assessment Tool to booklets on the 5 E's of rehabilitation: Encouragement, Education, Exercise, Employment, and Evaluation.
Now on DVD! Exercise Guide for People on Dialysis
May 29, 2009 -- Madison, Wisconsin -- Announcement for Immediate Release
The Life Options program announces the re-release of the popular "Feeling Better with Exercise" video in a new DVD format. Back by popular demand, this 30-minute guide includes easy-to-follow demonstrations -- by people on dialysis -- of stretching exercises (to build flexibility) and strength exercises (to build muscles). Many of the exercises can be done while seated, making them suitable for those who cannot stand for a long time or are in wheelchairs. Testimonials and instruction about the importance of exercise for maintaining good quality of life round out the program.
Originally filmed in 1995, "Feeling Better with Exercise" was part of a comprehensive exercise program for people on dialysis, developed by Life Options. Noted exercise physiologist Patricia Painter, PhD, developed the exercises and reviewed all the content of this program. It has been one of the most popular offerings in the history of Life Options, with more than 10,000 copies distributed since the original release.
The DVD can be ordered online at http://www.lifeoptions.org for $10.00, which includes shipping and handling to all U.S. locations.
The Life Options program, founded in 1993 with a grant from Amgen, is dedicated to helping people live long and well with chronic kidney disease. In addition to the exercise DVD, Life Options offers many other educational materials, including a free online learning program called Kidney School (http://www.kidneyschool.org). Life Options is administered by the nonprofit Medical Education Institute, Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about Life Options, please visit the Life Options website at http://www.lifeoptions.org.
Medicare Conditions for Coverage: End-Stage Renal Disease Facilities
This link to the Medicare Conditions for Coverage of End-Stage Renal Disease Facilities also provides the "State Operations Manual: Guidance to Surveyors".
CDC Resources -- Hepatitis B Vaccination Recommendations for the Hemodialysis Facility
- Complying with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (format: PDF, size: 603 kb) -- Added April 1, 2009
This reference material comes from the NIOSH/OSHA office which will be sending this information directly to each facility. - Poster -- Recommended Infection Control Practices in Hemodialysis Units (format: PDF, size: 1.52 Mb)
- Recommendations for Preventing Transmission of Infections Amoung Chronic Hemodialysis Patients (format: PDF, size: 386 kb)
- ACIP Guidelines for Vaccinating Kidney Dialysis Patients and Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (format: PDF, size: 297 kb)
- Dialysis, Viral Hepatitis and Immunization Information from the Immunication Action Coalition
NKF KDOQI
Homepage to the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative
Journal of Renal Nutrition
The official journal of the Council on Renal Nutrition of the National Kidney Foundation and the International Society of Renal Nutrition & Metabolism
UNOS
Homepage to the United Network for Organ Sharing
USRDS
Homepage to the United States Renal Data System, located at the University of Michigan
National CPM Information and Report
This site, from CMS, provides the measures, data collection descriptions and ESRD CPM Annual Reports
ASN
Homepage to the American Society of Nephrology
NRAA
Homepage to the National Renal Administrators Association
ANNA
Homepage to the American Nephrology Nurses' Association
RPA
Homepage to the Renal Physicians Association
RENALNET
RENALNET is a kidney information clearinghouse that has a lot of useful information, including chat rooms for the renal community (look for those under "RENALNET Features" then "Conference Rooms")
NIDDK/NIH
Homepage to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases at the National Institute of Health
Nephron
Homepage to Nephron, a nephrology information resource center




