The European practice database (EPD): results of the study in thte North-East of Italy.

The survey, realized in 2002-03 in the North-East of Italy, describes renal care in dialysis services. A questionnaire, structured at European level, was sent to all dialysis centres by mail. The questionnaire was returned from 21 centres (61.

Results of a national epidemiological investigation of HCV infection in dialysis patients.

The Italian Branch of EDTNA/ERCA organised a national, epidemiological, retrospective study to collect data and implement preventative measures for the spread of HCV infection in dialysis units. A questionnaire was sent to staff in 830 dialysis centres to collect information relating to 1996. Data are presented on incidence/prevalence of HCV infection, antibodies, viraemia and mortality, and comparison of the management of HCV between centres.

Results of a national epidemiological investigation on HCV infection among dialysis patients. (Survey by the Italian Branch of EDTNA/ERCA).

The Italian Branch of EDTNA-ERCA organised a retrospective epidemiological investigation on the spread of HCV infection in dialysis. A questionnaire was sent to 830 Italian dialysis centres to collect information about prevalence and incidence of HCV infection among patients and staff, anti-HCV testing, presumed sources of infection, sanitation procedures and dialysis strategies adopted to prevent or reduce the transmission of HCV infection. Twenty-seven percent of the dialysis centres responded to the questionnaire.

Basic tools to integration in management and continuous quality improvement: protocols and procedures.

In order to support interested colleagues with the concepts of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Clinical Standards for Nephrology Practice, a package of education support has been set up. We enhance the use of procedures, protocols, working plans, guidelines and nursing care plans as instruments of organisational integration. For the nursing care of renal patients in HD and PD we believe that all the procedures and protocols (P&P) above could have an important impact in the renal nursing practice.