Infection Prevention (QIA)
Stop Infections Before They Start: Infection Control in Dialysis
Infections are a leading cause of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality among dialysis patients, making infection prevention critical. Most of these infections are preventable through consistent adherence to evidence-based practices, including proper hand hygiene, catheter care, and disinfection protocols. Vaccination against preventable diseases, such as hepatitis B, pneumonia and influenza, is also a key component of infection prevention in this vulnerable population. By encouraging vaccinations and maintaining strict infection control, dialysis facilities can significantly reduce the risk of complications, improve patient outcomes, and lower the burden on the healthcare system.
Network 5 Contact
Helpful Links
- Catheter Connection and Disconnection Audit Tool
- Catheter Disconnection Checklist
- Catheter Connection Checklist
- Scrub-the-Hub Protocol
- Catheter Exit Site Care Audit Tool
- Catheter Exit Site Care Checklist
- AV Fistula & Graft Cannulation and Decannulation Audit Tool
- AV Fistula & Graft Cannulation Checklist
- AV Fistula & Graft Decannulation Checklist
- Dialysis Station Routine Disinfection Audit Tool
- Dialysis Station Routine Disinfection Checklist
- Environmental Surface Disinfection in Dialysis Facilities
- Injection Safety: Medication Preparation & Administration Audit Tool
- Hemodialysis Injection Safety: Medication Administration Checklist
- Hemodialysis Injection Safety: Medication Preparation Checklist
- Hand Hygiene Audit Tool
- Days Since Infection Poster – 8.5 x 11 (Spanish)
- Put Together the Pieces to Prevent Infections in Dialysis Patients – Poster (Spanish)
- Tips for Staff: Engaging Patients Comic
- Staff Conversation Guide
- Preventing Bloodstream Infections in Outpatient Hemodialysis Patients: Best Practices for Dialysis Staff
- Speak Up: Making Dialysis Safer for Patients Video
- Infection Prevention Escape Room Kit
Learn more from your state agencies:
- Virginia: Visit theVirginia Department of Health Website
- West Virginia: Contact Elizabeth Dauch at dauch@wv.govto schedule
- Maryland: Contact the state Infection Prevention office at ipc@maryland.govto schedule
- District of Columbia: Contact the DC Healthcare Associated Infection office at hai@dc.gov to schedule