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QI Information

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is a method of improving patient outcomes that is proactive, self-evaluating, and focused on optimal care. In 2009, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published new Conditions for Coverage to guide facilities to develop an effective Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program.

The Renal Network of the Upper Midwest (Renal Network 11) assists ESRD providers to develop systems and processes within their facilities that will improve the level of care provided to patients receiving kidney replacement therapy.

The Quality Improvement Team at Network 11 works to improve care for patients with kidney disease in the following ways:

• Providing quality improvement oversight to dialysis facilities certified by CMS
• Providing technical assistance to dialysis facilities that are achieving sub-optimal patient outcomes
• Working with the Network 11 Medical Review Committee and Executive Committee to develop recommended treatment goals for achieving optimal outcomes in the dialysis facility
• Developing and conducting quality improvement projects within Network 11's region
• Educating patients, dialysis facilities, and the renal community on various kidney disease topics
• Conducting data collection, review, and analysis to identify new trends in clinical data
• Developing new clinical tools and resources
• Participating in local, regional, and national quality improvement initiatives

Current Projects 5-Diamond Patient Safety Program Elab Project Fistula First Hemodialysis Adequacy Methodology Improving QAPI Through Assessment Tools Transitions of Care	Tools and Resources Advance Directives Anemia Management Bone Disease Decreasing Patient Provider Conflict (DPC) Dialysis Adequacy Immunization Infection Control Medical Review Committee (MRC) Treatment Goals Missed Treatments Nutrition Patient Safety Vascular Access
Completed Projects Dialysis Adequacy Immunization Missed Treatments Using Algorithm to Improve QAPI Process