The Forum of ESRD Networks is pleased to announce a new educational website for the National Vascular Access Improvement Initiative – FISTULA FIRST at www.fistulafirst.org. This collaborative project strives to achieve or exceed the K/DOQIÔ recommendations for A-V fistulas in hemodialysis patients. Having a successful vascular access is a major contributor to patient well-being; conversely, access problems are seen as a major cause of illness and disability for those on hemodialysis.

“The development of a dedicated website is an important and exciting accomplishment of the ESRD Networks and Fistula First team” said Dr. Lawrence Spergel, who chairs the national initiative. “In medical circles, we have known for some time that we needed to tackle this challenging problem. What we’ve lacked is a way to provide not just information and guidelines, but actual strategies and the tools and resources needed to implement those strategies. Our aim is to help medical practitioners understand not just why it’s so important to provide fistulas for patients, but how they can achieve this objective.”

The new website provides information on tools and resources as well as contact information for each of the ESRD Network organizations who partner with providers to improve care.

The site also provides a link to a video training program developed by Dr. William Jennings and Dr. Lawrence Spergel for surgeons and interventionalists hosted on the University of Oklahoma’s continuing medical education website. 10.5 AMA/PRA Category 1 credits are available. “But even without the CME opportunities,” claims Dr. Jennings, “this is an excellent resource for any physician who wants a moment- to-moment resource on gaining a better understanding of how to treat hemodialysis patients with vascular access needs.”

It is hoped that members of the renal community will visit the site frequently and will find it useful in their efforts to improve AV fistulas rates.

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