Remote Surveillance Technology of Dialysis Arteriovenous Access: Retrospective Evaluation in a UK Renal Centre.

Background: Early identification of dysfunctional arteriovenous haemodialysis (HD) vascular access (VA) is important for timely referral and intervention.

Method: We retrospectively calculated VA risk score using Vasc-Alert surveillance software technology from HD treatment sessions in 2 satellite HD units over 18 months. We included in the analysis HD patients dialysing with arteriovenous fistula or graft (AVF/G) with available Vasc-Alert data for≥ 2 months.

Introduction of a competency based haemodialysis education programme: 5 years experience.

The quality of care that patients receive is fundamentally related to the knowledge and skills of the staff providing the care. To ensure that all staff within our dialysis clinic network has the knowledge and competence to provide the care, support and education that patients require, a competency based education programme was developed. Roll-out of the programme commenced in 129 clinics in our dialysis clinic network during 2006-2007.

Shortness of breath during dialysis--a role of bicarbonate in dialysis fluid?

Occasionally dialysis patients show symptoms that indicate intolerance in the way dialysis is delivered. This paper describes two cases of transient shortness of breath during the initial treatments after starting online haemodiafiltration (HDF). Our actions to deal with these symptoms focused on reducing the bicarbonate gain during the first phase of the dialysis treatment.