Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
09:00
Microdissection of Primary Renal Tissue Segments and Incorporation with Novel Scaffold-free Construct Technology
Published on: March 27, 2018
ESRD Networks: past, present, and challenges for the future.
1Division of Nephrology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA. jaywish@earthlink.net
Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN
|September 15, 2012
Summary
The ESRD Networks program needs updated funding and data access to improve chronic dialysis care. Aligning with the National Quality Strategy will enhance its relevance and shift focus to system-wide quality improvement.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Renal Network Oversight
Background:
- The ESRD Networks, established in 1978, are regional nonprofits overseeing chronic dialysis facility quality.
- Volunteer professionals and patients populate governing and medical review boards, driving quality agendas.
- Network deliverables are defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in a Scope of Work (SOW).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current state and future needs of the ESRD Network Program.
- To highlight the impact of outdated SOWs on quality improvement efforts.
- To propose strategic alignment with national quality goals for enhanced relevance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the ESRD Network Program's operational framework and historical context.
- Review of the current Scope of Work (SOW) in relation to significant regulatory changes (2008, 2011).
- Examination of the Forum of ESRD Networks' strategic plan and its alignment with the National Quality Strategy.
Main Results:
- The current SOW has not been updated since 2008 and 2011, preceding major regulatory changes.
- Future success hinges on adequate funding, accessible data for rapid quality improvement, and continuum of care partnerships.
- A strategic plan aligning networks with the National Quality Strategy has been developed.
Conclusions:
- The ESRD Network Program requires modernization, including updated SOWs, to remain effective.
- Integrating strategic objectives into the next SOW will transition networks from task-orientation to system-improvement.
- Enhanced funding, data accessibility, and stakeholder partnerships are crucial for addressing CKD patient care continuum.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis
Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or those experiencing drug overdose often require extracorporeal methods to eliminate accumulated drugs and metabolites. Hemoperfusion, hemofiltration, and dialysis are the primary techniques to rapidly remove harmful substances without disrupting the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance. For those with compromised renal function, dosage adjustments of concurrent medications may be necessary during extracorporeal drug removal.Dialysis is a process...
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
01:21EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research
Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are excellent models for disease research because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into most cell types. Somatic cells from a patient are isolated and reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These iPSCs are later differentiated into the desired cell type, which mirrors the diseased cell of the patient. In this way, disease models have been created for investigating diseases such as Down syndrome, type I diabetes,...
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...
01:25Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Hemodialysis (HD) is a medical treatment that artificially removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. In this process, blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the selective removal of waste while preserving necessary components like blood cells and proteins. Hemodialysis is typically performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney...
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...