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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
[Indicators for evaluating the vascular access of users in hemodialysis]
Andressa Garcia Nicole1, Daisy Maria Rizatto Tronchin
1Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade de São Paulo, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil. andressagnicole@yahoo.com.br
Insights
This study developed reliable instruments to assess hemodialysis vascular access quality. The validated indicators measure catheter performance, maintenance, and arteriovenous fistula complications for improved patient care.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Medical Device Assessment
Context:
- Hemodialysis vascular access is crucial for patient survival.
- Existing assessment methods for vascular access quality are limited.
- Donabedian's framework provides a foundation for healthcare quality assessment.
Purpose:
- To develop and validate reliable assessment instruments for hemodialysis vascular access.
- To create indicators for evaluating vascular access processes and outcomes.
- To enhance the quality of hemodialysis services through objective measurement.
Summary:
- Four key indicators were developed: temporary double-lumen catheter performance and maintenance, and arteriovenous fistula monitoring and complications.
- A three-part questionnaire was used for data collection, assessing indicator manuals, attributes, and components.
- A panel of nine international nephrology experts validated all indicators, achieving at least 75% consensus.
Impact:
- The validated instruments provide a reliable tool for evaluating hemodialysis vascular access.
- Implementation of these indicators can lead to significant improvements in the quality of care.
- This work contributes to standardizing the assessment of vascular access in hemodialysis settings.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to develop reliable assessment instruments to measure hemodialysis vascular access. The design of healthcare indicators involved an indepth-analysis of vascular access practices in hemodialysis and their underlying theoretical rationale, and was grounded on Donabedian's framework. Four indicators were selected: performance of temporary double-lumen catheter, maintenance of temporary double-lumen catheter, monitoring of arteriovenous fistula and complications of arteriovenous fistulas. The first three are process-oriented while the last one relate to outcomes. Data was collected in October and November 2008 using a tree-part questionnaire, thus divided: assessment of the indicators' operations manual, assessment of health attributes of the indicators and assessment of each of the components. The validation of the indicators was carried out by a panel of nine internationally renowned experts in nephrology. All indicators were validated by the panel, with at least a 75% favorable consensus. It is believed that the use of this instrument contributes for evaluation and improvement of quality in hemodialysis services.
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