The Dialysis workstream is led by Dr Anu Jayanti alongside QI manager Andrew Stott. This workstream initially focused on increasing the uptake in numbers of patients on home therapies. Each of the units focused on one or two areas of improvement. This Quality improvement work was collaboratively achieved alongside KQIP team members, Rosie Donne and Leeanne Lockley. A number of workshops were held and subsequently accompanied by site visits. This work is still being sustained. This collaboration with KQIP has enabled NW teams to improve their knowledge and skills in QI methodology.
- To optimise dialysis experience for all patients and reduce unwarranted variation
- To create a culture of confidence in home dialysis through clinical leadership and enhanced engagement
- Increase uptake of home therapies across all units
- Improve rates of medical PD Catheter insertion and Urgent-start PD
- Establish regional QI metrics and establish data flow for the kidney dashboard
- Work alongside the vascular access teams to optimise timely access formation and preservation of function
- Link in with workforce workstream to identify ways to provide quality care and support for patients receiving Dialysis treatments.
The Dialysis workstream has primarily focused on supporting the Home Therapies teams with their own Quality Improvement projects within each of their units. The units focused on two or three areas of improvement with a focus towards increasing home dialysis numbers. The workstream held a combined event with KQIP in November 2023. The event showcased the fabulous work undertaken by each of the units. With the assistance of KQIP we are currently supporting the units with sustainability tools to help keep momentum with their ongoing work.
Some of the past work has focused on the RSTP toolkit for Dialysis. This has been completed by all units in the NW and gives a good baseline for areas of focus for future work planning.
The Dialysis workstream is currently working with the Vascular access teams within the North West to optimise timely access formation and preservation of function. With the help of the teams, we recently completed a small audit to compare services and provision within the NW. We have set up monthly vascular access forum for the teams to meet and discuss best practice.
We have recently set up a forum for the Home therapy PD lead nurses to meet on a monthly basis. It is our intention to implement a 6 monthly themed PD quality meeting with a focus on quality of care outcomes, local audits and develop a platform for best practice.
There has been good engagement with Interventional Radiology colleagues to collaborate and improve current pathways and working patterns to enable more timely access to fistuloplasty and angiojet procedures.
There is work currently ongoing behind the scenes to introduce a home therapies and vascular access dashboard. This information will sit on the new NW CIRCA Dashboard.
Dr Jayanti is also wishing to obtain Dialysis outcomes data. This would include, for example “exploring the reasons and lengths of stay in elective and emergency admissions for dialysis patients into hospital”.
Above is a brief summary of projects undertaken by all NW units.
