Improving the management of anemia in hemodialysis patients by implementing the continuous quality improvement program.
BACKGROUND
Anemia is common in hemodialysis patients, and improvement in anemia management is possible with the implementation of continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs. The aim of this study is to improve anemia management in chronic hemodialysis patients using CQI.


METHODS
Ninety hemodialysis patients in our single center were enrolled in the study. The patients were followed up from January 2004 to October 2005. The CQI team-oriented approach was driven by a process called the 'FOCUS-PDCA cycle plan' (find, organize, clarify, uncover, start, plan, do, check and act). Hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin and transferrin saturation were monitored periodically.


RESULTS
By implementation of the CQI program, the proportion of patients with Hb >or=110 g/l increased from 42.2 to 60.0% (p < 0.05), and the Hb level increased from 101.2 +/- 18.05 to 110.4 +/- 14.23 g/l (p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients with an adequate iron status increased from 28.0 to 53.3% (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The CQI program is a useful method in the management of anemia in hemodialysis patients.
Chen
Min
M
Renal Division and Institute of Nephrology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.
Deng
Jin-Hua
JH
Zhou
Fu-De
FD
Wang
Mei
M
Wang
Hai-Yan
HY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000740:Anemia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000032:analysis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000592:standards*; D017749:Total Quality Management; D014168:Transferrin / Q000032:analysis
D006454:Hemoglobins; D014168:Transferrin; D005293:Ferritins