Promoting and facilitating high quality care standards for dialysis and kidney transplant patients
in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
Main phone (816) 880-9990
Patient toll free (800) 444-9965
Main fax (816) 880-9088
Data fax (816) 880-1775
7505 NW Tiffany Springs Pky. Suite 230 Kansas City, MO 64153
Hot Topics and Heads Up
First Quarter 2006
Decreasing Dialysis Patient-Provider Conflict (DPC)
Keeping the peace in a dialysis facility on a daily basis can be very challenging. Staff members and patients alike bring individual issues, stress, and problems with them when they report to the unit. Unfortunately, sometimes conflict erupts despite the best intentions of people. ESRD Network 12 and the other ESRD Networks nationwide will be providing educational seminars on the topic of conflict resolution. This training is designed to enhance the training and in-services that facilities have already been providing for their staff members. More information will be distributed soon. Be watching the Network website, mail, and other publications for information regarding a seminar coming to a location near you!
Disaster Preparedness
As noted in previous publications, disaster preparedness has been a hot topic for a long time and it remains on the radar screen now! It is a good time to take a critical look at the preparations that have been made at the facility level, and also as individuals and for our families – don’t forget your pets. Some good resource materials can be obtained at the Red Cross website located at www.redcross.org. Feel free to contact the Network 12 Quality Improvement staff if you need additional resource materials.
Influenza
Recently, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) asked all of the ESRD Networks to contact the Health Departments serving their states to assess the level of preparedness for a possible influenza pandemic and or the avian flu. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has plans in place in the event of widespread disease. The various Health Departments are all following those plans.
Locally, on an individual basis, here is what we can all do:
- Get your flu shots (patients and staff members)
- Take measures to control the spread of infection (cover your mouth/nose when coughing/sneezing, wash your hands frequently, avoid large crowds, avoid handshaking, stay home when you are sick, etc…)
- Disinfect your home environment by laundering bedding in hot water; using disinfectant spray on telephone receivers and doorknobs (experts debate this one); wiping countertops with disinfectant wipes; be vigilant with dishwashing; and don’t share drinking glasses.
- Practice good health habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids (unless ESRD), and eat nutritious food.