 |
News Bulletins 2007 |
| Topic Index |
Topic Index
June 19, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Public Comment Sought on Proposed Organ Allocation Policy Changes
UNOS is seeking public comment on proposed organ allocation policy changes. Comment deadline is July 31, 2007. See http://www.unos.org/policiesAndBylaws/publicComment/proposals.asp for proposal details. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
June 19, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Re-Certification Required for Transplant Centers
The new Conditions of Participation for Transplant Centers require each center to apply for re-certification before December 26, 2007. For details, see http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CertificationandComplianc/20_Transplant.asp. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
June 8, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Fistula First Progress for March-April 2007
Monthly and quarterly AVF rates for hemodialysis patients are online at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#progress. The AVF-in-use rate for prevalent patients has fallen from 61.0% in December 2006 to 60.8% in April 2007. The AVF-in-place rate for prevalent patients has also declined, from 70.2% to 70.0%. The AVF-in-place rate for incident patients has increased, from 37.1% in the last quarter of 2006 to 39.6% in the first quarter of 2007. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
June 8, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Catheter Rates Have Not Increased with AVF Rates
In response to concerns that increasing AVF rates leads to increased catheter usage, we've looked at the invitees to our 2002 Back to the Basics AVF workshops (see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#btob) to see if their long-term catheter (catheters in use for more than 90 days with no other access in place) rates have grown along with their AVF rates. We did not have good data on catheter rates until 2004, but 2004-2006 data show no statistically significant increase in catheter rates; see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/Cath0406.htm. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
June 8, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Stenosis and Cannulation Resource Documents Updated
We’ve updated our stenosis monitoring document to reflect the new KDOQI 2006 Vascular Access Guidelines. It is located at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/StenosisMonitoring2007.doc. We’ve also updated the References page in the “On Course with Cannulation” section of our Fistula First page. The section is at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/ffcannu.htm and the References at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/cannu/Buttonholereferences.pdf. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
June 5, 2007 The CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) integrates the Dialysis Surveillance Network, the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System, and the National Surveillance System for Healthcare Workers. The NHSN will collect data on adverse events and adherence, publish trends, and help facilities monitor and improve their own processes. Enrollment is now open for dialysis facilities to participate. For details, see http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/nhsn.html. There are earlier articles on this topic.
CDC National Healthcare Safety Network Open EnrollmentTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
June 5, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
March 2007 Modality Reports Show 4.2% Dialysis Population Growth
The March 2007 Modality Reports are now online at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality/mode0307/modality.htm. The March dialysis census is 4.2% higher than in March 2006. Historical information can be found at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality.htm. If you need immediate notification when the quarterly Modality Reports are available, let us know. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 29, 2007 Blank forms for the 2007 CPM data collection have been mailed to all facilities that have patients in this year's sample. &nbcp The forms are due back to the Network by June 18, 2007. There are earlier articles on this topic.
2007 CPM Forms Due Back by June 18, 2007TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 29, 2007 In our March CPM mailing to facilities, a matrix was included titled “2006 ESRD Outcome Comparison Tool: CPM for Hemodialysis Patients." It had a typo in the “Median dialysis session length” line, the last line in the first section on Adequacy. The median session length for the US was 213 minutes, and for the Network 234 minutes. We encourage facilities to use this tool to document and compare facility outcomes to national and Network averages. We’ve put a corrected copy of the matrix at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/S/cpm06/2006CPMComparator.htm. There are earlier articles on this topic.
Facility Outcome Comparison Tool for Hemodialysis CPMsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 25, 2007 The NPI (National Provider Identifier) is part of CMS’s National Plan and Provider Enumeration System or NPPES. On May 30, 2007 CMS will publish an NPPES Data Dissemination Notice in the Federal Register describing NPI-application information which the Freedom of Information Act and HIPAA obligate CMS to publish, and how the information will be published. The Notice encourages providers to review the information they supplied on their NPI application and update it if necessary (and as required by law) to assure its accuracy before the June 28 data publication date. Providers may also protect some information from publication. An advance copy of the Federal Register Notice can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/06a_DataDissemination.asp, and more information on the NPI at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand. There are earlier articles on this topic.
CMS to Publish NPI Application Data in JuneTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 25, 2007 OSHA has issued a 104-page booklet on "Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers." Find it at http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA_pandemic_health.pdf. There are earlier articles on this topic.
OSHA Issues Healthcare Provider Guidance for Pandemic InfluenzaTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 25, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Transcript Available for April 18 NPI Roundtable
A transcript of the April 18, 2007 NPI Roundtable on CMS’s Contingency Plan for enforcement of the NPI is now available at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/Downloads/April18_Roundtable_Transcript.pdf. A transcript of the May 10th Roundtable should be released soon; watch for it at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 23, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
FDA Alert on Gadolinium-Based MRI Contrast Agents
The FDA has warned that gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents should be avoided in patients with certain kinds of renal insufficiency due to risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. For full details see http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Gadolinium.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 23, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
FDA Alert on Avandia Diabetes Medication
The FDA has also warned that the diabetes medication Avandia may increase the risk of cardiovascular events in some patients, and has advised prescribers to carefully individualize treatment decisions involving Avandia. For full details see http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Avandia.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 22, 2007 May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. See http://www.nof.org for details. Bone mass measurement is covered by Medicare - see http://www.cms.hhs.gov/BoneMassMeasurement. The Surgeon General's report on bone health can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/library/bonehealth. There are earlier articles on this topic.
May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention MonthTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 22, 2007 The National Kidney Foundation Patient and Family Council, as part of their "People Like Us" series, has created a checklist for evaluating long-term residential care for a patient with chronic kidney disease. Find it at http://www.kidney.org/patients/pdf/04_10-286A_LongTermResidentCare2.pdf. There are earlier articles on this topic.
NKF Checklist for Evaluating Long-Term Residential Care for CKD PatientsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 4, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
KidneyTalk Online Audio Talks from RSN
The Renal Support Network presents a weekly internet audio program called KidneyTalk, on topics relevant to patients. Topics have included clinical outcomes, medications, diet, surviving and thriving, complications, coping, treatment options, and many more. Listen to current and past programs at http://www.rsnhope.org/. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 4, 2007 AAKP has a new brochure on "Understanding Anemia in Kidney Disease." You can download a copy, or get the phone number to call for a printed copy, at http://www.aakp.org/press/press-releases/2007/ANEMIA-BROCHURE/. There are earlier articles on this topic.
New Anemia Brochure from AAKPTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 4, 2007 There is a later article on nutrition.
"Diet Tips & Bits" Online Newsletter from AAKP
The American Association of Kidney Patients is introducing a monthly email newsletter on diet for kidney patients, called "AAKP Diet Tips & Bits." For details see http://www.aakp.org/press/press-releases/2007/AAKP-DEVELOPS-NUTRITION-ELECTRONIC-NEWSLETTER/. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 2, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Tools and Resources for Assessing Functional Status of ESRD Patients
We've added a new web page on "Tools and Resources for Assessing Functional Status of ESRD Patients," at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/SW/AssessFunStat.htm, adapted from a page developed by the Florida ESRD Network, and used with permission. The page also includes some links to resources for patients on coping with depression. It's also available as a one-page poster at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/SW/AssessFunStat.doc. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
May 2, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Conferences on Empowering Patients to Overcome Barriers to Adherence
The American Kidney Fund is sponsoring a series of conferences on "Empowering Patients to Overcome Barriers to Adherence." The first is August 9, 2007 in Atlanta, and the second October 4, 2007 near Baltimore. For details see http://www.kidneyfund.org/fpr_regional_con.asp. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
April 30, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
CMS Open Door Forum on NPI Contingency Plan
The May 10, 2007 CMS Open Door Forum will be a National Roundtable on the recently released National Provider Identifier (NPI) Contingency Plan introduced at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news_bulletins07.htm#npi4a. For more information on the NPI see http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM5595.pdf. For more information on this Roundtable see http://www2.eventsvc.com/palmettogba/051007. For more information on CMS' Open Door Forums, see http://www.cms.hhs.gov/OpenDoorForums/. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
April 30, 2007 There is a later article on Emergency Preparedness.
Three New Emergency Preparedness Documents
We've added three new facility-oriented documents to our Emergency Preparedness page at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/emergency.htm. They include Four Keys to Being Prepared for a Disaster (http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/4KeysBPrep.pdf), a summary of Resources and Disaster Response prepared by the Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition (http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/KCERResources.pdf), and a Dialysis Patient Emergency Planning Needs Assessment questionnaire, available both in English (http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/PatientNeedsEng.pdf) and in Spanish (http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/PatientNeedsSp.pdf). There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
April 30, 2007 There is a later article on HIPAA.
New HIPAA Privacy Compliance/Enforcement Website
The HHS Office of Civil Rights has announced a new website, http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/enforcement/, which collates information on how HHS enforces the rights and standards in the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The website is aimed at both healthcare consumers and healthcare providers. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
April 27, 2007 The FDA has announced the recall of ResMed S8 Flow Generator or "CPAP" (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) devices manufactured between July 2004 and May 2006 because there is danger of a short circuit in the power supply. Patients using supplemental oxygen, and patients noticing electrical problems, should immediately contact their home healthcare provider for a replacement. Electrical problems would present themselves as power interruptions, sparking, cracking sounds, or charred smells. Other users should contact their home healthcare provider on a non-emergency basis. Full details, including serial numbers of the recalled devices, can be found at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#ResMed, http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/resmed04_07.html, and http://www.resmed.com/en-us/s8program/s8program.html.
Recall of ResMed Flow Generator or CPAP (Continuous Postive Air Pressure) DevicesTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
April 25, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
2007 Dialysis Facility Report Schedule
The schedule for the 2007 Dialysis Facility Reports (DFRs) has the Network receiving them from the University of Michigan Kidney Epidemiology Cost Center and mailing them to Medical Directors and Facility Administrators in late July or early August. You will have until September 10 to register comments on the website at http://www.ArborResearch.org/esrdmeasures. CMS will review your comments and evaluate errors and outliers. Your comments will also be forwarded with your DFR to your State Survey Agency. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
April 25, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Correction to 2006 Dialysis Facility Report Summary
We've replaced the incorrect by-state modality percentages in the Summary of the 2006 DFRs, from the University of Michigan Kidney Epidemiology Cost Center, with correct percentages from the Network's Modality Reports (see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality.htm). The DFR Summary is at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/S/statsdfr.htm and the corrected numbers are at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/S/dfr06/dfr3.htm. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
April 25, 2007 There is are later articles on bone health and on CPMs.
Mineral Metabolism Clinical Performance Measures
CMS has revised Appendices 6-8 of the 2006 CPM Annual Report to include the CPM mineral metabolism measures. Appendices 6-8 include summaries of the CPMs themselves, along with tables and graphs you may use to compare your own facility's performance with the national and Network averages. For the new appendices, see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/S/CPM06/CPM2006A6-8.pdf. For our full CPM page, see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/S/statscpm.htm. There are earlier articles on CPMs and on bone health.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
April 23, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
April Is Organ Donor Month
The month of April is Organ Donor Month. For details see http://www.organdonor.gov/get_involved/donatelifemonth.htm. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
April 23, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
"Paired Donations" Declared Legal
The US Department of Justice has ruled that "paired donations," where two pairs of donor-recipients who don't know one another may trade donors to find compatible kidneys, do not violate the legal ban on "transfer of organs for valuable consideration." See http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/2007/organtransplant.pdf. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
April 5, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
National Provider Identifier (NPI) Enforcement Plan Published
CMS has published guidelines for enforcement of National Provider Identifier (NPI) use after the May 23, 2007 deadline. They describe how CMS will handle providers that have been unable to comply with the deadline, and how a provider without an NPI may document good-faith efforts to comply. The guidelines, described in an April 2 press release at https://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp, can be found at https://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/Downloads/NPI_Contingency.pdf. The full NPI story is at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
April 5, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
2006 Dialysis Facility Report (DFR) Modality Error
The Dialysis Facility Reports (DFRs) prepared by the University of Michigan Kidney Epidemiology Cost Center (UM/KECC) and mailed to each facility last summer have been found to have a software error that misstates the percentage distribution of patients by modality. We recently summarized the DFRs in our March facility mailing and at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/S/statsdfr.htm. The incorrect entries are in Table 5 of your DFR, in the Modality section of the DFR Summary recently mailed to each facility, and on our web page http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/S/dfr06/dfr3.htm. The correct percentages may be calculated from the data available at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality.htm. Use the columns labeled "HD" (in-center hemodialysis), "HPD" (home peritoneal dialysis), and HHD (home hemodialysis) on the "All Network Patients" pages. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 30, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
December 2006 Fistula and Catheter Rates
As of December 31, 2006, the Network AVF-in-use rate for prevalent hemodialysis patients was 60.9%, compared to the Network goal of 64%. We've updated our goals and the monthly, quarterly, and annual charts of our progress at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#progress. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 30, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
AVF Rates and Early Referral Rates from Medical Evidence Report Forms
The first 18 months of access and early-referral questions on Medical Evidence Report Forms 2728 show that among the 72% of incident Network hemodialysis patients who had been under a nephrologist's care prior to initiating chronic dialysis, 51% began dialysis with an AVF in place. Among all Network incident hemodialysis patients, 41% began dialysis with an AVF in place, compared to a Network goal of 60%. We've placed our report on this data at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/2728AVFReport.htm. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 30, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
2006 Clinical Performance Measures (CPM) Project Results
We've summarized the 2006 CPM results, for the last quarter of 2005, at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/S/statscpm.htm, along with our 2007 CPM goals. We're last in the country on serum albumin and transferin saturation, but we lead the nation in dialysis adequacy and vascular access. And we still have room to improve in anemia management and stenosis monitoring. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 28, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
New Network Emergency Preparedness Web Page
Visit our website to see the new web page centralizing our documents and links on Emergency Preparedness, at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/emergency.htm. It includes two new documents - The Role of the Network in a Disaster (http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/DisasterNWRole.pdf) and What if a Disaster Happens Here? (http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/DisasterHere.pdf). There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 28, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
NKF SeizeCKD Staff Collaboration Program
NKF is sponsoring four full-day regional continuing education symposia called "Seize Chronic Kidney Disease, Celebrate Collaboration," designed to teach nurses, dietitians, technicians, and social workers how to develop relationships between staff, patients, and family that celebrate collaboration, knowledge, and diversity. The workshops are in early May in Los Angeles, and in June in Baltimore, Houston, and New York City. For details see http://www.seizeckd.org. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 26, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
NPI (National Provider Identifier) Required after May 23, 2007
CMS has redesigned their website on the National Provider Identifier - http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand. The NPI is replacing all legacy provider numbers for all healthcare providers, and will be required after May 23, 2007. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 26, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Dialysis Facility Reports Summarized
We've summarized the 2006 Dialysis Facility Reports by state, at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/S/statsdfr.htm, and mailed copies to each facility. The summary includes data on prevalent and incident patient characteristics, clinical performance measures, modality, mortality, hospitalization, and transplantation and waitlist rates. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 26, 2007 There is a later article on Network News.
Network News - Provider Newsletter with Patient Assessment Focus
The Spring 2007 edition of Network News has been mailed to each Network facility. This issue includes articles on advance care planning, assessing for home dialysis, vocational rehabilitation, quality of life measures, and timely assessment and appropriate referral for transplant. Find it at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/NetworkNews307.pdf. Included with the newsletter were copies of a Nutrition Poster (http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/albumin.pdf), a summary of the types of Technical Assistance the Network is available to provide to the renal community (http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/TechAssistFlyer.pdf), and a summary of the role of the Network during a disaster/emergency response (http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/DisasterNWRole.pdf). There are earlier articles on related topics.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 23, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Renal Support Network launches KidneyTimes Online Kidney Library
The Renal Support Network has launched KidneyTimes, at http://kidneytimes.com, to serve as an online library of information on kidney health for patients, family, and healthcare professionals. There are earlier articles on the Renal Support Network.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 23, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
CMS Issues Final Conditions of Participation for Transplant Centers
CMS has issued final Conditions of Participation for Transplant Centers. The full final rule can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CFCsAndCoPs/Downloads/trancenterreg2007.pdf. A press release dated March 22 summarizes them at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CFCsAndCoPs/, and there are more details at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CFCsAndCoPs/11_transplantcenter.asp. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 21, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Hope Street: NKF Patient Empowerment Project Seeks Volunteers
NKF is introducing the Hope Street Patient Education and Empowerment Program, a new "graphic novella" tool to inform patients about dialysis. They are seeking ideas and input from patients and dialysis care providers. For more information see http://www.kidney.org/professionals/KLS/novella/about.html. There are earlier articles on the Renal Support Network.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 21, 2007 March is National Kidney Month; for details see http://www.kidney.org/news/wkd/index.cfm.
March is National Kidney MonthTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 19, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
March is National Nutrition Month
March is the American Dietetic Association's National Nutrition Month; see http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/nutrition_4920_ENU_HTML.htm. CMS has provided materials to increase awareness of nutrition, healthy eating, and Medicare medical nutrition therapy coverage. See http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicalNutritionTherapy for details. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 19, 2007 March is also Social Work Month. This year's National Association of Social Workers theme is "Hope + Health: Help Starts Here." For details see http://www.socialworkers.org/pressroom/swMonth/2007/default.asp.
March is Social Work MonthTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
March 19, 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Article on Mental Health Strategies
December's Nephrology News & Issues has a feature article on Managing Mental Illness in the Dialysis Treatment Environment: A Team Approach. See http://www.kidney.org/professionals/CNSW/pdf/NNI12-06-Depression.pdf for a copy.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
15 Mar 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
CDC Issues MMWR on Status of MRSA in Dialysis Patients
Last week's CDC MMWR reviewed the current status of MRSA among dialysis patients. See http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5609a3.htm?s_cid=mm5609a3_e. There is an earlier article on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
15 Mar 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Infection Prevention and Control Best Practices for Hemodialysis Access
The National Kidney Foundation has produced an 8-panel tool on Infection Prevention and Control Best Practices for Hemodialysis Vascular Access. Individual laminated copies can be ordered free from http://www.kidney.org/professionals/. There is an earlier article on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
15 Mar 2007 A BONENT exam for certifying dialysis technicians will be held near Tacoma on May 24, 2007. Applications must be received by April 6. For details, on a flyer you can post, see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news\BONENTExamFlyer507.htm. There is an earlier article on this topic.
May 2007 BONENT Technician Certification Exam near TacomaTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
12 Mar 2007 Lifeline and ReviveR AEDs defibillators with software versions 2.002 and earlier have been recalled by the FDA and the manufacturer, Defibtech, because in some circumstances they may not resuscitate a patient. For details see http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Lifeline and http://www.defibtech.com/fa2007.
Recall of Lifeline and ReviveR AEDs DefibillatorsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
12 Mar 2007 The FDA has issued a safety alert concerning possible increased bone fracture rates in female patients taking pioglitazone (Actos). For details see http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Actos.
FDA Safety Alert on Actos (Pioglitazone)TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
12 Mar 2007 The FDA has updated their Public Health Advisory on erythropoiesis stimulating agents ("ESAs"), including Aranesp, Epogen or "EPO," and Procrit. The update is summarized at http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/RHE/default.htm, which links directly to a Healthcare Professional Sheet, the Public Health Advisory, a news release, and a series of questions and answers. The Healthcare Professional Sheet, http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/InfoSheets/HCP/RHE2007HCP.htm, recommends that hemoglobin be monitored twice a week when adjusting ESA dosages. There is an earlier article on this topic.
FDA Public Health Advisory Update on Aranesp/Epogen/ProcritTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
5 Mar 2007 Since the beginning and ending dates for Daylight Savings Time have changed, the FDA recommends that all medical devices which use, create, or record time information be updated by the manufacturer, to avoid potentially serious medical errors. For details see http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#time.
FDA Medical Device Alert re Daylight Savings TimeTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
5 Mar 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Public Comment on Proposed Transplant Policy Changes Wanted
UNOS has offered seven proposed policy changes for public comment before April 30, 2007. details and comment instructions are at http://www.unos.org/policiesAndBylaws/publicComment/proposals.asp. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
26 Feb 2007 March 4-10 is National Patient Safety Awareness Week. Full details are at http://www.npsf.org/html/psaw.html. The New England Network has donated a poster to the cause. Download it from http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/BABSposter.pdf, or put your own logo and contact information on the MSWord version at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/BABSposter.doc.
National Patient Safety Awareness Week March 4-10TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
15 Feb 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
New UNOS Phone Line for Reporting Safety Issues and Policy Violations
UNOS now provides a member reporting line, 866-787-4909, for transplant professionals to report potential patient safety issues or policy violations at member institutions. For more information see http://www.unos.org/news/newsDetail.asp?id=805. There are earlier articles on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
8 Feb 2007 If you have patients using topical anesthetic for hemodialysis needle placement, please read the safety warning at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Anesthetics. In the educational program "On Course With Cannulation" and the companion publication "Improving AVF Cannulation Skills" (see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/ffcannu.htm), Network Quality Improvement Director Lynda Ball addresses this issue. If you have further questions or concerns regarding topical anesthetics, please contact Lynda at 206-923-0714 ext 111.
FDA Alert on Topical Anesthetic DrugsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
6 Feb 2007 The FDA has issued an alert on Aranesp (EPO), at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Aranesp.
Aranesp Medical Safety AlertTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
6 Feb 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
December Modality Report
The 2006 end-of-year Modality Reports are now available at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality/mode1206/modality.htm. The year-over-year growth rate was 3.7%. There is an earlier article on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
7 Jan 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Consumer News Patient Newsletter New Edition
We've posted a new edition of our Consumer News patient newsletter at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CN/consumernews1206.pdf and mailed copies out to each facility for distribution to patients. The contents of each issue are summarized at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/consumernews.htm. There is an earlier article on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
7 Jan 2007 There is a later article on this topic.
Patients Educating Patients & Professionals (PEPP) Seeking Speakers
The Renal Support Network (RSN) is seeking patient volunteers to be trained as patient-speakers for their Patients Educating Patients and Professionals (PEPP) program. Selected volunteers would speak at local and national meetings of patients and health-care professionals. Prior speaking experience is required. For details see http://rsnhope.org/programs/pepp/2007-12_pepp_needs_speakers.php. Application deadline is February 5.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
EARLIER BULLETINS
Topic Index
Page updated July 3, 2008