Project Guidelines
The Network will:
- Assist facilities to implement and monitor all of the CDC recommended interventions for dialysis BSI prevention
- Educate target facilities on the CDC Core Interventions and assist the facilities in implementing the CDC Core Interventions,
- Assist Facilities in monitoring their own progress toward implementing the CDC Core Interventions and reduction of BSIs,
- Monitor the progress of QIA facilities and assist the facilities that are unable to progress to the goal
- Involve Patient SMEs and/or family members or care partners at the facility level in discussions about infection control practices and ways to feel more comfortable bringing issues to the attention of staff members
- Support facilities in completing annual NHSN dialysis event surveillance training: National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)
Baseline Data
The baseline data for dialysis facility inclusion was provided from your facility submitted information in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).
Goal
Demonstrate a 20% or greater relative reduction in the semi-annual pooled mean in the cohort with the highest 20% of BSIs in the Network service area at re-measurement compared to 2018.
Graduation Requirements
A facility may be removed and replaced for 2020 in the QIA if it is no longer in the cohort of facilities with the highest 20% of BSIs in the Network service area or maintains a BSI rate of zero for at least six (6) months of the QIA.
CMS Recommended Learning Activity
Prevention of intravascular infections, blood-borne pathogen transmission (e.g., hepatitis B), and influenza and pneumococcal disease are priorities identified in the National Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections: Roadmap to Elimination
Tools & Resources
Webinars
Facility Resources
CDC Core Interventions
- Surveillance and Feedback using NHSN (Data Report)
- Hand Hygiene Observations
- Catheter/Vascular Access Care Observations
- Staff Education and Competency
- Patient Education/Engagement
- Catheter Reduction
- Catheter Hub Disinfection
- Chlorhexidine for Skin Antisepsis
- Antimicrobial Ointment
National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)
- Infection Prevention in Dialysis Settings
- CMS Resources for NHSN Users
- Patient Safety Component Training
- Biovigilance Component Training
- Resources for Users New to NHSN
- Healthcare Personnel Safety Component
- NHSN Educational Roadmap
- Dialysis Component Training
- NHSN Analysis
- Continuing Education
- Request for CDC-Led Training
CDC Resource Center
- Preventing Bloodstream Infections in Outpatient Hemodialysis Patients: Best Practices for Dialysis Staff
- Hemodialysis Central Venous Catheter Scrub the Hub Protocol
- Environmental Surface Disinfection in Dialysis Facilities: Notes for Clinical Managers
- Days Since Infection Poster: English|Spanish
- Hand Hygiene Audit Tool
- AV Fistula & Graft Cannulation and Decannulation Audit Tool
- Arteriovenous Fistula & Graft Checklist: Cannulation|Decannulation
- Catheter Connection and Disconnection Audit Tool
- Hemodialysis Catheter Checklist: Connection|Disconnection
- Dialysis Station Routine Disinfection Checklist
- Catheter Exit Site Audit Tool
- Hemodialysis Catheter Exit Site Care Checklist
- Injection Safety: Medication Preparation & Administration Audit Tool
- Hemodialysis Injection Safety: Medication Preparation Checklist
- Hemodialysis Injection Safety: Medication Administration Checklist
- Making Dialysis Safer Coalition Conversation Starter

For more information:
Loretta Ezell
Quality Improvement Director
919-463-4510
Contact Me
Project Outlines
Patient Education Initiative: Lobby Education Winners
