Network 6
Mission Statement:
To improve the lives of people with or at risk for End Stage Renal Disease by promoting and advancing quality of care.
Fistula First
In 2003, ESRD Networks, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and various other organizations developed a partnership know as Fistula First to increase the AV Fistula utilization among ESRD patients.
At the beginning of the project in October 2003, ESRD Network 6 had 29.2% prevalent AV Fistulas compared to 31.3% nationally. Since that time Network 6 has slowly increased AV Fistula usage. The chart below shows up-to-date information.
Network 6 is partnering with the dialysis community, vascular access surgeons, nephrologists, and patients to improve AV Fistula rates in the incident and prevalent population.
Staff Resources
Fistula First Data Collection
A primary component of the Fistula First Project is the collection of vascular access data. The Large Dialysis Organizations (LDOs) have collaborated with CMS and developed an automated process that forwards monthly data electronically to the ESRD Networks. Currently all non-LODs must provided quarterly information via CMS Data Collection Software.
- Data Collection Tool Software
- Data Collection Tool Users Guide
- Fistula First
Change Concepts
- Fistula First Action Plan
Algorithm : This algorithm was developed
by Network 6 to assist facilities in formulating an action plan based on
“root cause”.
- www.fistulafirst.org: The national vascular access website has tools and resources developed by the NVAII.
Patient Education Resources
- Catheter Brochure : Developed by Network 6, this patient
education brochure explains why an AVF is the best choice for vascular access.
- Fistula
First Newsletter :
This newsletter is a collection of patient educational information related
to vascular access.
Click on the logo above to access the Fistula First website.