title: Knowing what we do and doing what we should: quality assurance in hemodialysis.
abstract: An international group of around 50 nephrologists and scientists, including representatives from large dialysis provider organisations, formulated recommendations on how to develop and implement quality assurance measures to improve individual hemodialysis patient care, population health and cost effectiveness. Discussed were methods thought to be of highest priority, those clinical indicators which might be most related to meaningful patient outcomes, tools to control treatment delivery and the role of facilitating computerized expert systems. Emphasis was given to the use of new technologies such as measurement of online dialysance and ways of assessing fluid status. The current evidence linking achievement of quality criteria with patient outcomes was reviewed. This paper summarizes useful processes and quality measures supporting quality assurance that have been agreed across the expert panel. It also notes areas where more understanding is required.
authors.affiliation: Medical and Safety Office, Gambro AB, Lund, Sweden.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alquist
authors.forename: Juan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Bosch
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barth
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Combe
authors.forename: John T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Daugirdas
authors.forename: Jörgen B A
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Hegbrant
authors.forename: Georges
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Christopher W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: McIntyre
authors.forename: Donal J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: O'Donoghue
authors.forename: Hector J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Santoro
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Tattersall
authors.forename: Georges
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vantard
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Van Wyck
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Canaud
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005103:Expert Systems; D006751:Hospital Information Systems / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy; D008485:Medical Audit; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*