Quality Improvement
The purpose of the Network 4 Quality Improvment Program is to utilize rapid cycle methods to implement positive change. The Network collects and reports on a variety of projects, such as:
- Fistula First
- National Clinical Performance Measures
- Lab Data Collection
- Pediatric Data Collection
The Medical Review Board of Network 4 is also developing Quality Initiatives in the areas of:
- Phosphorus Management
- SMR Data Review
- Education on Dialysis Access
- Medication Reconciliation Quality Initiative -- Attention Dialysis Facility Administrators and Medical Directors: Network 4 would appreciate your consideration to complete a Medication Reconciliation Environmental Scan, developed by the Network 4 Board of Directors/Medical Review Board Subcommittee. The purpose of this Scan is to assess the potential availability of effective processes already in place in ESRD Network 4 facilities. If the results of the Scan indicate an interest, the Network will convene a small workgroup to develop a protocol. More information on this project is provided on the Medication Reconciliation Scan/Memorandum. Please fax this document to the Network office by October 12, 2007. Our fax number is (412) 325-1811.
The Network is also very active in the PennDel CKD Partnership, a coalition of renal community leaders to promote CKD education and vascular access placement
Clinical Performance Goals
Our Clinical Performance Goals document provides a measurement tool to assess facility patient care processes and outcomes, and identifies opportunities for improvement. The Network goal is to combine efforts with renal facilities to improve performance in the delivery of quality patient care. The outcomes listed in this document were pulled from the 2006 CPM Annual Report, which can be found on the National Clinical Performance Measures Project website.
Immunization Resources
- Network brochure: Why Do I Need the Influenza Shot: Facts to help you fight the flu (format: PDF, size: 420 kb) -- Taken from the "Safe and Timely Immunizations Coalition" [STIC] Resource Guide
- Units in Pennsylvania -- You can also find materials on the Quality Insights of Pennsylvania, a Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)
- Units in Delaware -- You can also find materials on the Quality Insights of Delaware, a Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)
Technical Assistance Available
- Network brochure: Why Do I Need the Influenza Shot: Facts to help you fight the flu (format: PDF, size: 420 kb) -- Taken from the "Safe and Timely Immunizations Coalition" [STIC] Resource Guide
- Units in Pennsylvania -- You can also find materials on the Quality Insights of Pennsylvania, a Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)
- Units in Delaware -- You can also find materials on the Quality Insights of Delaware, a Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)
ESRD Network 4 is happy to provide the following services ...
- Provide education and assistance regarding CMS/Network directed QI projects
- Assist facilities with developing internal CQI programs and action plans
- Clarify instructions for completing CPM / clinical data collection forms
- Assist facilities to develop emergency preparedness plans and patient/staff education
- Provide vascular access expertise and education on cannulation including buttonhole
- Consult with facilities regarding water quality and water treatment issues
- Analyzes data on national, regional and local patterns of care for QI planning
- Provide education and assistance regarding CMS requirements
- Communicate essential information that will affect facilities via mail, e-bulletin, or fax
- Represent the needs of the renal community, patients and providers to CMS
- Develop collaborative partnerships to promote improved quality outcomes for patients
- Inform facilities about Network goals and activities
