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

• 2020 BSI Kick-off Webinar: Recording|Slides

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