Vascular Access/LTC Reduction Tools

Benefits of Permanent Access

This document outlines the many benefits patients have shared for having a permanent dialysis access. Network 7—Benefits of Permanent Access (PDF) (English/Spanish) Network 15—Benefits of Permanent Access (PDF) (English/Spanish) Network 17—Benefits of Permanent Access (PDF)...

Checklist for Staying on the Road to a Permanent Access

This checklist is designed for patients to use to monitor their progress towards the placement and use of a permanent access.

Coping with Needle Fear - A Resource for Patients - Network 17

This tool, for use with hesitant patients, addresses patients' fear of needles, its causes, potential results, and tips for overcoming needle phobia. 

Coping with Needle Fear - A Resource for Patients - Network 7

This resource offers guidance to staff members on how to show compassion and understanding for patients who may experience needle fear.

Coping with Needle Fear - A Resource for Staff - Network 17

This tool is designed to help staff see needle fear from the patient perspective. It provides suggestions on how to react to patients' needle fear with compassion, understanding, and respect.

Coping with Needle Fear - A Resource for Staff - Network 7

This resource offers guidance to staff members on how to show compassion and understanding for patients who may experience needle fear.

Fistula First Catheter Last

The Fistula First Website for patient can help you make a wise choice about which type of vascular access to use if you choose hemodialysis.

For Safety's Sake, Uncover Your Access

Long-Term Catheter Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Tool - Network 17

This tool helps facilities evaluate their long-term catheter use and analyze how they can reduce their use and encourage permanent accesses.

Needle Fear - Additional Tips - Network 17

This tool provides simple, easy-to-implement tips for patients to help reduce their fear of needles.

Needle Fear - Additional Tips - Network 7

This document provides tips and information on addressing needle fear.

Vascular Access Binder

This binder provides tools and information intended to facilitate continuous communication between the vascular access manager (VAM) and the dialysis team.

Vascular Access Consultation Appointment Sheet

This appointment sheet is a helpful way to remind and encourage patients to seek a vascular access consultation.

Vascular Access Monthly Reporting Tool - Network 17

This tool is designed to help facilities track their progress at reducing long-term catheters and improving vascular access use in their patients.

Vascular Access Options (AVF-AVG)

This document outlines the two vascular access options for patients, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or arteriovenous graft (AVG).

Vascular Access Options (AVF-AVG) - Spanish

This Spanish language document outlines the two vascular access options for patients, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or arteriovenous graft (AVG).

Vascular Access RCA Tool - Network 7

This tool provides a checklist to perform a root cause analysis (RCA) regarding vascular access/long-term catheter use.

WANTED: Permanent Access Angels

This document tells patients about how they can help other patients by sharing their experiences with getting, using, and maintaining their permanent access.