Category Archives: Vascular Access (Patients)

Right to Self-Cannulate

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Home Dialysis Central  has published a thorough summary of the right that a patient has to “be informed about and participate, if desired, in all aspects of his or her care” [42 CFR 494.70(a)(5)], including self-cannulation.  A facility that denies a competent patient the right to be trained to self-cannulate is vulnerable to state survey citation tags V456, V512, and V585.  Find the summary at http://homedialysis.org/news-and-research/blog/214-self-cannulation-a-patient-right-and-cms-expectation-for-interested-and-trained-patients .

Saving Patients’ Lifelines

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Along with February’s Network 16 News, we’ve distributed copies of an ESRD NCC Fistula First tool called It only takes a minute to save your lifeline.  It’s intended for facilities to add their contact information and give to patients, as instructions for them to use to monitor their vascular access.  Find an online copy of the tool at https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/nwrn.org/files/N/TakesAMinute.pdf .  We’ve linked to the tool from the NWRN website at https://www.nwrn.org/providers-and-professional-staff/vastf/stfprotect.html .  You can find more vascular-access-protection resources at 
http://fistulafirst.esrdncc.org/professionals/lifeline-for-a-lifetime/ .

1/24 Catheter Dressings Guidelines Review

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CDC is inviting comments on a draft revision of their Recommendations on Use of Chlorhexidine-Impregnated Dressings for Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections.  Comments are due by January 24, 2017.  For details see https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=CDC-2016-0110 . 

Patient Safety, Vascular Access

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Northwest Renal Network’s July Patient Bulletin discusses three types of Vascular Access that permit hemodialysis to occur, how vulnerable each type is to infection, and how you can help prevent infection no matter which type you use.  Find a copy under “July 2016” at https://www.nwrn.org/patients-a-family/ptedres/mon.html .

Comments till 2/5 on QIP Measures for VA, Transplant

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CMS has called for public comment on potential new QIP measures for vascular access and transplantation.  The comment period expires February 5, 2016.  For details see https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/MMS/CallforPublicComment.html .

Infection Prevention Tips in New Patient Newsletter

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The latest issue of the Network patient newsletter, Network Consumer News, includes articles on “Tips to Prevent Dialysis Infections” for patients with fistulas, grafts, or catheters, on the advantages of an Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula, and on Self-Care Dialysis, as well as a Learning Point and Related Resources on infection prevention and vascular access.  We also have large-print and Spanish editions.  If you don’t get a copy from your facility, you can find one at https://www.nwrn.org/patients-a-family/ptedres/ncn.html .