One kidney transplant center's experience: linking process improvements and Medicare/Medicaid conditions of...

An institutional priority toward transplantation, dedicated team dynamics, aggressive clinical growth, and optimal care practices are essential for delivering exceptional care to transplant patients. The importance of multidisciplinary integration of these priorities throughout the continuum of patient care is widely recognized in the transplant arena as well as by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In fact, it is the collaboration within these aspects of care that is necessary for certification by CMS.

To establish institution-wide practices, systems, and mechanisms to optimize performance of transplant centers through the use of evidence-based protocols, clinical innovation, and data-driven quality improvements. To develop training programs and competency based orientation addressing the topics needed for transplant nurses, multidisciplinary caregivers, and clinical transplant coordinators who provide care to transplant patients. To comply with the CMS conditions of participation for transplant centers.

Formation of a renal transplant council and multidisciplinary care team. Flow chart of hospital course from admission to discharge, carefully examining patients' progression through the continuum of care, assessing for barriers to care and knowledge deficits of transplant practitioners.

Development of multiple clinical process improvements resulting in the creation of an environment for continuous learning, optimal transplant care, and exceptional outcomes in transplantation as well as compliance with CMS conditions of participation for transplant centers.