Implementing continuous quality improvement strategies for improving iron replacement in hemodialysis patients

Anemia associated with end stage renal disease can diminish quality of life substantially. Maintaining a stable hematocrit and stable hemoglobin levels affords many advantages. Improvement of anemia management is possible with the implementation of continuous quality improvement (CQI). Our review of the literature motivated us to switch from iron dextran injection, which can induce anaphylactic reactions and has other associated problems, to sodium ferric gluconate complex injection. This enables us to safely provide iron supplementation without the precautions that were in place for iron dextran. Our methods for creating and implementing CQI in the dialysis program at our university hospital are described.