Use of the Dialysis Survey Process to Enhance Quality Improvement Processes.

The dialysis survey process can be used to enhance an outpatient dialysis facility's quality improvement program. While preparing for a survey, facilities have an opportunity to find and address issues and areas for improvement of safety and outcomes. During a dialysis survey, issues of immediate patient danger may be discovered, and immediate action will need to be taken. Once the survey has been completed, the facility must correct any identified issues. As part of the Plan of Correction (POC) and the quality assurance performance improvement (QAPI) process, the root cause of problems or issues should be identified. Once root causes are identified, action plans can be developed. Monitoring of outcomes is a critical part of any effective POC. Dashboards and audit tools can be used and discussed in QAPI so the plan can be revised, if needed.