Monthly Archives: October 2013

NHSN Dialysis Event Validation

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We’ve added a page of Tips on the Importance of NHSN Dialysis Event Data Validation to the Infection Control page of the Northwest Renal Network website, at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/Infections.htm#fac.  Dialysis Event definitions and data entry processes are complex, and if your data is inaccurate, your facility could be inappropriately assigned to an Infection Control QI project, or worse, opportunities to reduce morbidity and mortality could be missed, at the expense of your patients.  If you lose track of our Infection Control page, you can find it on our QI menu, at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/QI/QI.htm.

Patient Newsletter on Facility Performance

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The latest Network Consumer News has been mailed to facilities for distribution to patients.  If you haven’t gotten one, ask your facility, or contact the Network (http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/contact.htm).  This issue includes a summary of CMS’s Performance Score Card, notes on Medicare Part D open enrollment, the Affordable Care Act, and New ESRD technologies under development.k  There’s also a Word Search puzzle, and a large print version of the newsletter.  You can find online copies of all of this at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NCN.htm.

Difficult Situations Webinar Recording

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Our October 3 and October 10 online seminars for Northwest Renal Network facility staff on

  • Staff and Patient Safety (October 3) and on
  • Proactivity: Anticipating and Resolving Volatile Situations (October 10)

were introduced at https://nwrnbulletins.wordpress.com/2013/09/13/handling-difficult-situations-webinars-oct-3-and-10/.

We’ve added the recording of the October 10 Proactivity webinar to the Network website at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/QI/QI.htm#sfty.

If you haven’t received your continuing education credits for the October 10 presentation, please see https://nwrnbulletins.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/ce-credits-for-october-10-webinar/.

Staff Education Anchorage Nov 20-21

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The Alaska Kidney Patients Association will present a staff education conference in Anchorage on November 20-21, 2013 on “Empowerment through Knowledge: Renal Focused Professional Education.”  Continuing education contact hours will be offered for most health professions.  Topics will include healthcare reform, patient transitions, treatment options, patient engagement, anemia, hospitalization, communication, fluid control, adequacy, morbidity, bone disease, water treatment, and state surveys.  For details see http://ww.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/Empower1113.pdf.

Medicare Open Enrollment Poster

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Northwest Renal Network’s monthly patient flyer is now posted on our website at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/M/Monthly.htm.  The featured topic for October is the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, which allows you to adjust your Medicare coverage.  These flyers are designed for posting in the facility waiting area, and for distribution to patients and family members.  Contact the Network Patient Services Director, Lisa Hall (lhall@nw16.esrd.net) if you have questions, or ideas for future monthly topics.