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Learning and Action Networks

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A Learning and Action Network (LAN) is a way to achieve large-scale improvement by bringing together people from within a community, including both healthcare providers and patients, to work together. It creates opportunities for sharing ideas, learning and problem solving in a given area. Network 17 currently has an active Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) LAN, as well as supporting national LAN activities related to Patient Engagement.

LANs are hosted by the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) National Coordinating Center, but invitations to join the LANs come from the Network. If you are interested in joining a LAN, please contact the Network to receive an invitation.

Healthcare-Associated Infections

Bloodstream Infection (BSI) QIA LAN April 3, 2018

Bloodstream Infection (BSI) Quality Improvement Activity (QIA) LAN Webinars

Locate and download PowerPoint slide decks and recorded webinars from all of the 2018 BSI QIA LAN meetings below:

BSI QIA LAN Identified Best Practices

As best practices are identified by the Network, they and any associated resources will be found here:

The following best practices were identified from the April 3, 2018 BSI QIA LAN event:

  • Practice Scrub the Hub disinfection.
  • Use a chlorhexidine-impregnated sponge dressing to catheter exit site.

The following best practices were identified from the January 29, 2018 BSI QIA LAN event:

  • Posting of the CDC’s Days Since Last Bloodstream Infection poster in an area visible to patients, family members and staff. The poster can be found here.
  • Encouraging patient compliance with access washing prior to treatment. Facilities can utilize the Infection Prevention: Washing Your Vascular Access handout created by the Network to educate patients on this important topic. The handout is available in QIA toolkits here.     

BSI QIA LAN Resources



Environmental Surface Disinfection in Dialysis Facilities: Notes for Clinical Managers

This resource provide notes in a checklist format for clinical managers to utilize for environmental surface disinfection.



More Resources

Home Dialysis

Home Dialysis

Home Dialysis Quality Improvement Activity (QIA) LAN Webinars

April 10, 2018 Home Dialysis QIA LAN Identified Best Practices

  • Select an in-center staff member to serve as a Home Champion.
  • Consider a new approach that includes the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) asking, “Why not home?” to all new patients.
  • Host a Lobby Day that includes a Patient Advocate.
  • Provide individualized patient education in collaboration with the home dialysis team.

February 5, 2018 Home Dialysis QIA LAN Identified Best Practices

  • Approach all in-center patients for interest, including patients who have not expressed interest in the past.
  • Provide home dialysis education to staff.
  • Provide the Nephrologist with home dialysis educational opportunities and resources for improved understanding of Peritoneal Dialysis.
  • Build a relationship with local surgeons.

Home Dialysis QIA LAN Resources

Additional resources related to increasing rates of patients dialyzing at home can be found on the Network website here.



More Resources

Transplant

Transplant

Transplant Quality Improvement Activity (QIA) LAN Webinars

April 17, 2018 Transplant QIA LAN Identified Best Practices

  • Identify a Peer Mentor/Patient Navigator who could provide support and assistance to patients as they go through the transplant waitlist process.  

February 20, 2018 Transplant QIA LAN Identified Best Practices

  • Creating a transplant binder to track the 7 steps.
  • Developing a communication and tracking process between the facility and the transplant center to update important information regarding patient demographics, insurance, medical condition, etc.

Transplant QIA LAN Resources

Additional resources related to increasing rates of patients on a transplant waitlist can be found on the Network website here.



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End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) National Coordinating Center (NCC)

ESRD National Coordinating Center

The End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) National Coordinating Center (NCC) provides support at the national level for the Medicare ESRD Network Program. This website includes education, tools, and resources for both patients and providers, including those related to vascular access, decreasing conflict, and emergency preparedness.



More Resources

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ESRD Network 17