Dialysis Facility

The following are some specific things facility staff can do to begin to increase AV fistula use in dialysis patients. These are actions that can be taken immediately. They will help to begin to increase AV fistula use, but will probably not be sufficient to achieve dramatic improvements. This will require the cooperation between and, perhaps, changes in practice of all providers in the system.

  1. Know the rates of AV fistula use for the patients treated at your facility.
  • Review data provided by your Network.
  • Develop a log that contains the access type for each patient.
  • Develop a process to keep the log current.
  1. Review the recommended strategies from the Fistula First Change Package and choose those that make the most sense for your practice.

 

Consider getting started with the following changes:
 

Change Concept 1 - Routine CQI Review of Vascular Access
Change Concept 6 - Secondary AVF Placement in Patients with AV Grafts
Change Concept 7 - AVF Placement in Patients with Catheters Where Indicated
Change Concept 8 - Cannulation Training for AVFs
Change Concept 9 - Monitoring and Maintenance to Ensure Adequate Access Function
Change Concept 10 - Education for Caregivers and Patients
Change Concept 11 - Outcomes Feedback to Guide Practice
 

 

Educational Materials

 

The Role of the Social Worker in Fistula First

PowerPoint presentation

 

Cannulation of the AV Fistula

A series of educational vdeos for professionals

 

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