Improving clinical processes: one dialysis facility's experiences

Northeast Louisiana Dialysis Center implemented continuous quality improvement (CQI) to improve the quality of care delivered to end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated by hemodialysis in their facility. The unit chose to address normalization of calcium and phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH), anemia, nutrition, adequacy of dialysis and dialyzer reuse as well as performance benchmarks by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) core indicators. This article presents the results obtained and the methodology used in this improvement effort. The article also presents nine principles the authors believe necessary for a successful CQI program.