Fistula First
DOQI opened the door for ESRD quality improvement to be to be defined in great measure by the use of the optimum forms of vascular access. Evidence continues to mount that the use of fistulas will diminish costs morbidity permit better dialysis and delivery of adequate dialysis dose.
In 2003 the ESRD Networks and CMS, along with clinicians, dialysis providers, and patients, developed a three-year National Vascular Access Improvement Initiative called FISTULA FIRST. This plan will implement strategies for the improvement of patient vascular access outcomes to reach the CPM and K/DOQI guidelines for AVF use of 50% incidence and 40% prevalence. FISTULA FIRST aims to build on prior work and to take advantage of system-level diagnosis and strategies for improvement. Collaboration between Networks, providers, physicians, vascular surgeons, and health professionals will be key to spread the change ideas for improving AV fistulas.
Fistula First Data
Project Overview
Special Interest
Visit Oklahoma College of Medicine Web site to view program on vascular acccess. The purpose of this program is to educate any physician who provides or directs vascular access placement for hemodialysis patients. The program is divided into individual presentations and delivered in video clips. The estimated time for completion of this program is 10.5 hours. Miscellaneous training materials such as, PowerPoint slides and handouts are available for download.
- Video Training Program: Creating AV Fistulas in All Eligible Hemodialysis Patients
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