Fistula First: AV Fistula Maturation Project Svetlana (Lana) Kacherova, QI Director Lisle Mukai, QI Coordinator ESRD Network 18 July 22,

“Fistula First” GOAL Goal is to maximize autogenous AVF construction & success rate….. To achieve in the shorter term (2006) the initial K/DOQI minimum benchmark of AVF use in 40% of prevalent patients…. And in the long-term (2009), a 66% AVF rate in prevalent patients Additional Goal: Reduce Catheter Use! 2

Fistula First Goals (AVF Rates) CMS goal – 66% by June 30, 2009 Yearly Network 18 goal – 57.8 % by June 30, 2010 Yearly Network Stretch Goal – 58.0% by June 30, 2010 May 2009 AVF rates: NW 18 – 56.3% US – 52.6% 3

Inclusion Criteria for Participating Facilities AVF rate < 50% (April 08 SIMS data) Highest percentage and number of AV Fistulas placed but not used (source: SIMS vascular access monthly reports) Patients census > 50 patients Administrative support: All intervention facilities have a stable leadership 4

Exclusion Criteria Patient census < 50 patients Facilities already included in another QIWP project with the Network 5

AVF Maturation Project: Network Role: Project Leader Supplied the templates for RCA & PDSA Supplied toolkits to facilities & evaluate their usefulness Provided monthly feedback (Vascular Access SIMS reports) Collected bi-monthly scans to obtain facility- specific data Facility site visits for strugglers Chased facilities for data & documentation Assisted participants to meet QAPI /PDSA requirements 6

Facilities Roles and Responsibilities: Returned agreement letter (signed by MD) Reviewed toolkit and identified tool(s) to utilize in your facility Followed the project timelines and completing all steps of the QAPI process (RCA, PDSA, etc) 7

Project Timelines Oct – Environmental scan and WebEx Nov. 208 – RCA and PDSA (steps 1-3) Dec – 1 st follow-up Jan-Feb – 2 nd follow- up March-Apr – 3 rd follow up May 2009 – final follow-up June 2009 – Project summary and closure

Project Summary

Ensuring that Fistulas Mature The key is early recognition of non-maturing AVFs. 1.Physically assess the access each treatment (Look, Listen, Feel). 2.Send patient for 4 week follow-up evaluation of the access 3.Necessary intervention for non- maturing AVFs 4.Track all new AVFs and their development

Strategies Implemented by Facilities Create Vascular Access Team (Interdisciplinary) Designate Vascular Access Manager/ Coordinator Educate staff and patients about what to look for and expect during AVF maturation process (physical assessment and vascular access care) Refer to surgeon or Vascular Access Center for vein mapping

Schedule surgical appointment and 4 week follow-up Obtain results of evaluation findings from the surgeon and maintain a copy in the patients charts as well as discuss during QAPI meetings Track all newly placed AVFs and discuss/review during QAPI meetings Physical exam (Look, Listen, & Feel) of AVFs every treatment by staff

Schedule follow-up evaluation for 4 weeks post placement of AVF Track success rates from each vascular access surgeon – refer to surgeons with best results Conduct stenosis monitoring & surveillance (See KDOQI Guidelines for appropriate surveillance methods.) Create check-off list for each patient noting the steps of the plan

Monthly report of all new AVFs being cannulated – review during QAPI meetings Utilize corporate vascular access tools (resources and tools) Educate patients regarding catheters and fistulas (pros/cons) Have MDs talk to patients about their vascular access and care for their access. Involve SW for insurance issues

Next Steps Have a process in place to ensure maturation of newly placed AVFs Learn strategies from other facilities to implement at your facility if appropriate Educate patients and their families, staff and nephrologists about the maturation process and vascular access care Refer to the Fistula First website for resources

Next Steps (Continued) Together we can make a difference and find possible solutions for issues we can impact Thank you for all your continuous efforts in improving vascular access care given to our ESRD population.

Svetlana (Lana) Kacherova, QI Director Lisle Mukai, QI Coordinator 6255 Sunset Boulevard  Suite 2211  Los Angeles  CA  (323)  (323) /Fax 