Increasing the use of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF): a network QI project.

In 2002, the Intermountain End-Stage Renal Disease Network Inc., Network 15, initiated a quality improvement project, "Increasing Arteriovenous Fistulas Within Network 15." The primary objective of this project was to maximize the placement of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) within the adult in-center hemodialysis population in Network 15.

Access to renal transplantation among American Indians and Hispanics.

Background: African Americans have decreased access to renal transplantation compared with whites. Whether similar barriers exist for American Indians or Hispanics is not well defined.

Methods: The authors identified a total of 1,335 patients ages 20 to 59 years without prior renal transplantation undergoing dialysis in December 1994 in Arizona and New Mexico.