The journal of vascular access
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Multicenter Study
Decreasing dialysis catheter rates by creating a multidisciplinary dialysis access program.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have determined that chronic dialysis units should have <12% of their patients utilizing central venous catheters for hemodialysis treatments. On the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the central venous catheter rates in the dialysis units averaged >45%. A multidisciplinary program was established with goals of decreasing catheter rates in order to decrease central line-associated bloodstream infections, decrease mortality associated with central line-associated bloodstream infection, decrease hospital days, and provide savings to the healthcare system. ⋯ We conclude that a formalized access program decreases catheter rates, central line-associated bloodstream infection, and the resultant hospitalizations, mortality, and costs. Areas with high hemodialysis catheter rates should develop access programs to better serve their patient population.